VW T-Roc hints at VW's SUV future

Published Feb 28, 2014

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By: IOL Motoring Staff

Just to quell any possible misunderstandings and get the unavoidable joke out the way: VW's new T-Roc concept's name was not derived from the Afrikaans language, nor does it appear to be much of a 'trok' (truck).

Instead the concept, revealed here in official VW sketches, gives us a glimpse at how future VW SUVs might look. Clearly a more aggressive design approach is on the cards then.

Though there's no word on whether the T-Roc might ever make production, there may just be a gap for it in VW's future line-up. Given that the Tiguan is Golf-based and the upcoming Taigun is Up-based, a T-Roc production model might just fit snugly onto the next Polo's platform - given that the concept is based on a shortened version of the latest Golf's MQB modular platform.

REMOVABLE ROOF

The sporty two-door, four-seat SUV also offers the possibility of an open air experience as the middle section of the roof can be removed in two halves and stored in the boot.

The T-Roc is powered by a 135kW/380Nm turbodiesel engine poached from the Golf GTD, which sends its urge to all four wheels via a seven-speed DSG gearbox. VW predicts a potential top speed of 209km/h and a 6.9-second 0-100km/h sprint.

What's more the driver can adjust the characteristics of the running gear, engine and gearbox by selecting one of three driving modes: 'Street', 'Offroad' or 'Snow'.

And the real meaning of the T-Rok's name?

Well, 'T' is the first letter of every SUV in VW's current range and 'Roc' implies that the vehicle is at home on 'rocky' trails.

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Volkswagen