Sharing the same platform as the iconic Volkswagen Golf, the T-Roc follows the similar convention of pumping up a hatchback and installing black garnishing on the extremities of the bodywork that all manufacturers follow. In the case of this specific model, it has also been given Volkswagens all-wheel drive system, namely 4Motion which should theoretically give it off-roading credentials despite the 19-inch rims and low profile tyres.
With the IQ Drive Package equipped, open road cruising was as low effort as semi-autonomous driving can be. Lane change assist, lane keeping system, traffic jam assist and emergency assist all made the straight line trek between Johannesburg to the Drakensberg care-free with the adaptive cruise control and its forward collision warning, front assist and autonomous emergency braking ensuring the loud pedal only had my right foot occasionally hover over it in certain scenarios.
To align with the pending holiday festivities was a Beats sound system, paired with Apple CarPlay screen replication on the centrally mounted infotainment display. All other driving details were available on the configurable driver’s display, directly behind the steering wheel.
On the open road, the 2,0-litre motor thrived, easily amassing speed for overtakes and when the roadside signage adjacent to the tarmac signified imminent bends up and down Van Reenen’s pass. Prior to the travels, the SUV also proved its mettle in a commuter context around town, although initial acceleration from a standstill is still slightly lethargic until the 140 kW unit came into boost. For the most part, it is nothing unlivable and the overall power and torque output still managed to lug the sub-1,5-tonne stature minus passengers and luggage around with ease.
So, how is the ride comfort with low-profile tyres then? Being Kwa-Zulu Natal, potholes were aplenty and dirt roads were unavoidable to a variety of destinations, no help either was the torrential floods earlier in 2022 which had compromised much of the road infrastructure.
Surprisingly, the suspension soaked up all road ruts and imperfections with ease while more sizable potholes and rippled dirt roads expectedly permeated into the cabin. Despite this, the off-roading experience was superlative, and easily surpassed expectations, besides, those standard 19-inch Misano rims paired with the dust-covered Kings Red Metallic are a match made in heaven.
When the going really got tough, traversing some farm roads flanked by sugar cane, the console-mounted toggle was switched into off-road drive mode which automatically enabled hill-descent control and prepared the computers for off-roading. No taller did the fixed ground clearance of 161 mm become and while this doesn’t sound like much, the short front and rear overhangs didn’t scrape on undulating terrain once.
Stay tuned for part 3
Volkswagen T-Roc 4Motion R-Line Fast Facts
Price: R742 700
Engine: turbocharged 2,0-litre 4-cylinder
Transmission: seven-speed DSG
Power: 140 kW @ 4 200 r/min
Torque: 320 N.m @ 1 200 r/min
Ground clearance: 161 mm
Claimed fuel consumption: 7,4 L/100 km
Achieved fuel consumption: 6,8 L/100 km
Distance travelled: 2 928 km
Average speed: 54 km/h
Rivals: Peugeot 5008, Volvo XC40, Audi Q2
Keyword: Finding a travel companion in the Volkswagen T-Roc 4Motion R-Line – Part 2