Volkswagen T-ROC Concept unveiled on the eve of Geneva

Just before the 65 back-to-back press conferences start tomorrow, Volkswagen has unveiled their latest T-ROC concept. Not just another soft roader for the masses, VW aims to take a bit of wind out of the Nissan Juke’s sails by offering something that looks just a little snarky, and more than a little capable off road. Currently rigged out with a 2 liter turbo diesel four, the T-ROC has its 181 horsepower and 280 ft-lbs of torque routed through a seven speed manual gearbox to all for wheels with VW’s 4Motion system.

Sporting a targa top, the T-ROC seems destined to set itself apart from other small utes. Though it’s not a Jeep, VW seem very intent upon the car’s status as an off roader. It offers a multi mode traction system with settings for off road, snow, and roads, which is coupled with a hill descent system. It does not offer a low range gearbox, so it’s probably safe to say that it’s good for short offroad jaunts that last as long as the brakes stay cool enough.  For more information, check out the press release after the jump.

-By: Sawyer Sutton

Volkswagen concept car provides preview of new SUV range

On the evening before the Geneva International Motor Show the Volkswagen Group traditionally presents its highlights. With the world première of the T-ROC concept car the Volkswagen brand is giving a preview of a possible SUV range. The striking features of the concept car include its progressive design, the front section with the LED headlights and two removable roof halves.

 With the Tiguan and Touareg Volkswagen has in its model range two of the most successful SUVs (sports utility vehicles) of European origin. In the future, Germany’s largest car manufacturer will be expanding this spectrum appreciably with new models in a variety of classes. Coming up at the Geneva International Motor Show (4th to 16th March): the world première of the T-ROC, a Golf-format concept car positioned a step down from the Tiguan. Following the CrossBlue (USA), CrossBlue Coupé (China) and also Taigun (India) concept cars, Volkswagen is once again giving a look ahead to possible future SUV models.

The T-ROC follows a new design line and interior style, with the progressive design of the front section being particularly striking. The two-door vehicle also combines the talents of an all-wheel drive SUV – which doesn’t capitulate even when faced with rocky off-road tracks – with the summery airiness of a convertible. The middle section of the roof consists of two halves that with just a few flicks can be taken off and stowed in the boot. Front and rear cameras, which are backed up in the dark by LED headlights, extend the driver’s field of vision.

Powered by a 135 kW / 184 PS turbo-diesel direct injection engine, the T-ROC is equipped with three different driving modes: ‘Street’, ‘Off-road’ and ‘Snow’. The parameters of the 4Motion drive train, 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch gearbox), ABS, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control vary depending on the mode selected. The 2.0 TDI engine’s fuel consumption is a low 4.9 l/100 km, while maximum torque is 380 Nm.

The vehicle body has been designed based on the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB). Thanks to lightweight construction the SUV weighs just 1,420 kg. Visually striking features include the relatively short overhangs and the multi-part 19-inch alloy wheels with size 245/45 tyres.

Sawyer Sutton

Sawyer Sutton is a long-time Vermonter and lover of cars, big machinery, and photography. These are his words on cars as Senior Editor of egmCarTech.

sawyer has 319 posts and counting.See all posts by sawyer