Generating a mighty 221 kW/300 PS and a torque of up to 400 Nm, the compact Volkswagen powerhouse accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in a mere 4.8 seconds. Top speed is 250 km/h. Power is confidently transmitted by the 4MOTION all-wheel drive working together with the 7-speed DSG gearbox - all standard equipment.

Performance meets appealing vehicle design

The modern 2.0 TSI power unit in combination with the intelligent 4MOTION all-wheel drive lends the new VW T-Roc R outstanding driving characteristics. Turbocharging and direct injection already generate an impressive torque from low engine speeds. The maximum torque of 400 Nm is already available as of 2,000 rpm.

Thanks to the ample speed range, the Volkswagen T-Roc R is always within the ideal performance spectrum in almost all driving situations, making it possible for the vehicle to confidently rely on its mighty R power at any speed. The high-performance, 17-inch brake system guarantees powerful and consistently effective deceleration. It is also used in the Volkswagen Golf R with Performance package.

The standard 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) has been specifically adapted to the impulsive character of the Volkswagen T-Roc R. The tried and tested Volkswagen 4MOTION all-wheel drive distributes the output of the powerful four-cylinder engine between the front and the rear wheels within milliseconds, as required and depending on the wheel slip. This effectively prevents the alloy wheels from potentially slipping or blocking. This results in the best-possible traction, including in adverse weather, such as in wet conditions or in snow, as well as on challenging terrain, such as gravel or cobbles.

Unmistakable look

On the outside the new T-Roc R pushes farther what the optional R-Line exterior package already makes as a bold, sporty statement R-style bumpers that have been painted to match the vehicle's colour with special Volkswagen T-Roc R design and air intakes with black fins represent typical features of the powerful and exclusive Volkswagen R family. This also applies to the R logo on the boot lid and the specially designed black, grained radiator grille. A silver, shiny strip of anodised aluminium at the bottom edge of the impressive air intake stretches almost along the entire vehicle width. This reinforces the visual presence of the T-Roc R.

LED headlights for dipped beam and main beam guarantee daylight-like illumination of the road surface and exemplary visibility of the vehicle. The striking daytime running lights have been integrated vertically into the specific Volkswagen T-Roc R front bumper. This already makes the product line's top-of-the-range version unmistakeable from a distance. The LED taillight clusters are glazed in dark red, typical of R styling. The two twin tailpipes at the rear left and right have been chrome plated. The optional "R" Performance titanium exhaust system made by emissions system specialist Akrapovi is characterised by a distinctive sound, independent tailpipe design and a weight that has been cut by around seven kilos. The bumper is dominated by visual air outlets at the top and an R diffuser in a contrasting colour. It goes without saying that the rear side windows and rear window are tinted. The bottom section of the doors coordinates with the main colour of the car, highlighted by exterior mirror housing with a chrome look.

The T-Roc R is powered by Volkswagen's 300 PS, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine. The engine produces its peak torque of 400 Nm from as little as 2,000 rpm, while its 300 PS power peak arrives at 5,000 rpm, with the accessible torque and high-power output attributable to the engine's direct injection and turbocharging. WLTP-confirmed fuel economy for this engine rates it at 32.5 mpg on the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 197 g/km.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) can be manually deactivated, while a Launch Control feature allows the driver to experience the VW T-Roc R's full accelerative potential, with its 4.8-second 0 to 62 mph time. The system controls the clutch and gearbox so that the T-Roc R accelerates with the optimum wheel speed while benefiting from maximum drive torque. Like the Golf R, the T-Roc R also features a Race mode in its drive mode selection menu, with tweaks to the engine and gearbox to facilitate access to the engine's 300 PS quickly and conveniently.

The T-Roc R gets Volkswagen's swift and smooth-shifting 7-speed DSG transmission, specially adapted for its specific engine mapping, and the car's power is delivered to all four wheels via the brand's 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. The tried and tested Volkswagen 4MOTION all-wheel drive distributes the output of the powerful four-cylinder engine between the front and the rear wheels within milliseconds, as required and depending on the wheel slip. This effectively prevents the tyres from slipping. This results in the best-possible traction, including in adverse weather, such as in wet conditions or in snow.

From the outside, the Volkswagen T-Roc R is identifiable by its bespoke bumpers, with vertical daytime running lights complementing the T-Roc R's sporty front end, with black fins incorporated into the air intake design also adding to the more assertive look. An R badge in the front grille also leaves no question as to the potency of the model, while standard-fit 19-inch Pretoria alloy wheels finished in Dark Graphite are a statement of the T-Roc R's sporting intent, in front of the black-painted, R-badged brake callipers. The 19-inch wheels are a bonus for UK customers - markets outside of the UK feature 18-inch wheels as standard. LED headlights for dipped beam and main beam guarantee daylight-like illumination of the road surface and exemplary visibility of the vehicle

At the sides of the car, contrasting matt chrome effect door mirror caps are another R-specific feature, while the wheel arches have been extended outwards to give the car a wider stance, and to house the R model's larger wheels.

At the rear, the Volkswagen T-Roc R features smoked LED-taillights, an understated but assertive boot spoiler, and the specially designed rear bumper houses a R GmbH hallmark - four chrome-finished tailpipes. The optional performance titanium exhaust system made by exhaust specialist Akrapovi is distinguishable from the standard system by the quad-exhaust tips taller shape, matt finish and, naturally, their distinctive sound. The system also benefits from a 7 kg weight loss compared with the standard system.

Inside, the Volkswagen T-Roc R is subtly but comprehensively updated over its non-R stablemates, with gloss black trim in the dash, centre console and door panels. It also features R- badged trim in the door sill protectors, gear lever knob, instrument cluster and steering wheel. The T-Roc R's seats are heavily bolstered to give maximum support when cornering and are embroidered with the R logo.