What's the news?
The Volkswagen T-Roc is being unveiled in a few days' time, so here we're getting our first look at some sketches of the new baby SUV, along with the promise of a livestream of the car's debut on Wednesday, August 23rd.
The T-Roc has been on Volkswagen's mind for quite some time now, as it was debuted as a concept car way back at the 2014 edition of the Geneva Motor Show, but the recent explosion in SUV sales has meant manufacturers are fast broadening their model offerings.
Thus, the T-Roc will sit below the two existing SUVs in VW's portfolio, those being the Tiguan and the Touareg. This new vehicle is a sporty crossover, with lower, more coupe-esque lines than its showroom siblings. Volkswagen wants you to pay particular attention to the wide radiator grille with integrated dual headlights, with the indicators and daytime running/cornering lamps positioned in the bumper - this apparently gives the T-Roc a distinctive 'light signature' when it's running at night.
Essentially, the T-Roc will use the compact MQB platform that underpins the Audi Q2 and SEAT Ateca as its basis, so expect the same engines to be used here; we're guessing Volkswagen will employ 1.0-litre (three-cylinder), 1.4-litre and 2.0-litre (four cylinders each) TFSI petrol engines (the 1.4 using Cylinder-on-Demand technology), as well as 1.6- and 2.0-litre TDI diesels. Some of the higher models will likely have 4Motion all-wheel drive and a DSG twin-clutch automatic gearbox shouldn't be out of the question, either.
Prices are obviously as yet unconfirmed for Ireland, although the T-Roc should be less than the €29,720 required to get into a basic Volkswagen Tiguan - however, whether it will be at the same €25,000 level as the entry-point into SEAT Ateca ownership is another matter.
Anything else?
A livestream of the Volkswagen T-Roc's unveiling will take place at 7pm Irish time on Wednesday, August 23, here.