New Volkswagen Golf-based SUV to be unveiled at 2017 Geneva motor show

Volkswagen is set to expand the Golf line-up with the addition of a new crossover style SUV model originally previewed by the T-Roc concept car.
 
The new high riding Golf based model is planned to make its world premiere in lightly veiled concept car form at the Geneva motor show next March prior to the unveiling of a definitive production version and a start to European sales during the second half of 2017, according to senior officials at Volkswagen's Wolfsburg headquarters in Germany.
 
No official statement has been made on possible sales of the new Volkswagen SUV in Australia, though the new high riding model will slot into the German car maker's line-up underneath the second-generation Tiguan 
 
Earlier reports suggested the new Volkswagen SUV would eschew the T-Roc name for a more conventional nomenclature. A copyright application made in 2014 reveals Volkswagen registered alternatives for the new model, including Teracor, but Volkswagen boss Herbert Diess has now confirmed a decision has been made to retain the T-Roc name for the production version.   
 
Unlike the original targa roof touting T-Roc concept revealed back in 2014, the production version of Volkswagen's latest SUV is planned to receive a fixed roof and five door hatchback layout similar to its more conventional Golf siblings. While adopting typical Volkswagen styling elements, the new SUV will sport a uniquely styled steel body.
 
In concept car form, the T-Roc measures 4178mm in length, 1831mm in width and 1501mm in height ? dimensions it is expected to retain in production guise. 
 
By comparison, the second-generation Tiguan stretches to 4486mm in length, 1839mm in width and 1632mm in height. 
 
Like the Golf and Tiguan the T-Roc is based on Volkswagen's versatile MQB platform. It is expected to come with a wheelbase similar to the Golf at 2640mm, or 41mm shorter than the Tiguan.
 
Inside, the production T-Roc is planned to adopt the same dashboard and features as the newly unveiled facelifted seventh-generation Golf, complete with an optional high definition Active Info Display instrument pack and 9.2 inch infotainment monitor supporting touch, speech and gesture control. 
 
Among the engines set to power the new Volkswagen is the company's turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI petrol engine with 84kW as well as the new turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder TSI Evo units unveiled in the facelifted Golf in 96kW and 110kW guises. 
 
Also planned is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that will provide the basis for T-Roc GTi with up to 180kW. 
 
The diesel line-up will included updated versions of Volkswagen's 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines, which Diess describes as being "cleaner than most from rival manufacturers".
 
Alongside front-wheel drive, selected T-Roc models are also planned to offer four-wheel drive, either as an option or as standard.  Gearboxes will include a standard six-speed manual and optional seven-speed dual clutch automatic, or DSG dual shift gearbox as Volkswagen prefers to call it.  
 
Also under development are plug-in hybrid and pure electric versions in respective T-Roc GTE and E-T-Roc models. They are planned to share their drivelines with the Golf GTE and E-Golf ? the latter of which adopts a larger battery for the 2017 model year in a move claimed to provide it with a range of up to 300km.
 
The T-Roc is one of three new SUVs to be added to the Volkswagen line-up before the end of 2019. The larger Atlas, which is reserved primarily for the US and Chinese markets, made its debut late last month. An even smaller model previewed by the T-Cross Breeze concept at this year's Geneva motor and based on the same platform as the upcoming new Polo is planned to go into production by 2019.

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