Entry-level Volkswagen T-Roc 110TSI Style joins burgeoning SUV range

Volkswagen has expanded its T-Roc range to include an entry-level 110TSI variant, which conveniently fills a vacant spot in Volkswagen's wider SUV line-up.

The new T-Roc 110TSI Style variant will cost $33,990 (before on-roads) and join the pre-existing 140TSI Sport, envisioned by VW to bridge the gap between the T-Cross Style and T-Roc Sport. This new T-Roc variant will replace the need for a four-cylinder version of the T-Cross which VW originally said was on the cards at the T-Cross launch.

Based on the Golf platform, the 4230mm long T-Roc is 120mm longer than the Polo-based T-Cross and features a nicer overall specification level.

Packed into the T-Roc 110TSI is a 110kW/250Nm turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine which drives the front wheels via an eight speed automatic transmission. As standard the new 110TSI Style also equips active cruise cruise control, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry with folding mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels and a swathe of active safety measures.

The T-Roc 140TSI Sport retails for $40,490 plus on-road costs. The list of standard kit is higher, with highlights such as a digital dash, 8.0-inch multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, city AEB with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, lane guidance, rear cross-traffic alert, park assist, LED headlights, automatic wipers and leather-wrapped steering wheel all standard.

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It also scores the progressive steering rack from the Golf GTI, along with AWD, driver profile selection, 18-inch alloys and sports suspension.

For the 140TSI Sport, options include a $2000 Sound and Style package that adds adaptive suspension, 19-inch alloys and a Beats stereo, while a $3500 Luxury Package nets the T-Roc owner a sunroof, Vienna leather upholstery and a powered tailgate. Similar Sound and Vision as well as Luxury packages (albeit contents slightly changed) are available on the entry level 110TSI and cost $2000 and $3800, respectively.

A limited-edition run of 200 T-Roc X variants were available at launch, which celebrates Volkswagen’s 10-year partnership with the Sydney Swans AFL team.

Available in white with a red roof (top of page) or black with red highlights (below), the X is based on the 140TSI Sport and scores adaptive suspension, 19-inch rims, a powered tailgate and 300w audio system for an additional $2000.

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Luggage capacity in the T-Roc is a generous 445 litres, but fold down the 60/40 split rear seats and this expands to 1290 litres.

The T-Roc has been an enormous hit in overseas markets, which made the business case to supply the relatively small Australian market more difficult to get over the line.

Now that it’s been confirmed, though, Australia will be one of the first markets in the world outside of Europe to receive it.

The T-Roc's price point puts it in the upper price echelon of top-spec small SUVs from the mainstream brands like the Mazda CX-3 and Toyota C-HR.

However, its stronger powertrain specs and high levels of standard equipment (like its digital dashboard) put it firmly in the frame when it comes to brands like Audi, which asks $49,400 for a Q2 with a similar engine and driveline. A BMW X2, meanwhile, will set you back closer to $69,000 for a 2.0-litre all-wheel-drive variant.

Volkswagen T-Roc Australia pricing

• T-Roc 110TSI Style - $33,990
• T-Roc 140TSI Sport - $40,490