All-new Volkswagen T-Roc to be VW’s final send-off for combustion power

• All-new generation of Volkswagen T-Roc
• Styling based on latest Volkswagen Tiguan
• Final Volkswagen to launch with a combustion engine

UK customers hoping to buy a combustion-powered Volkswagen will soon be out of luck as the German manufacturer is well on the way towards its fully-electric future. However, the next-generation Volkswagen T-Roc is set to land in showrooms before the transition is complete, serving as the final all-new VW model to launch with a combustion engine.

The Volkswagen T-Roc is one of the brand’s best-selling cars, delivering a Golf-like driving experience in an ever-popular small SUV package. The current model is based on the old Volkswagen Golf Mk7 but the new model will be completely redesigned, adopting the platform, engines and interior tech from the Golf Mk8. It’s expected to go on sale in 2025, costing from around £30,000.

What will the new Volkswagen T-Roc look like?

While Volkswagen hasn’t revealed any official imagery yet, recent spy shots have given us a few clues as to the T-Roc’s new look. Our exclusive images preview this fresh design, which mixes influences from the latest Volkswagen Tiguan with the T-Roc’s small SUV proportions.

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The new design isn’t expected to be revolutionary, but there are a few differences that will bring the T-Roc up to date with the latest small SUVs. Up front, it will adopt a similar lighting arrangement to the Tiguan, with a pair of slim headlights joined by a thin light bar. If the T-Roc is to follow in the Golf’s footsteps, then we could see an illuminating ‘VW’ badge on some models, as well. A larger lower grille will set it apart from its predecessor, with additional vents for cooling, while the outgoing model’s distinctive daytime-running lights will be dropped.

The Volkswagen T-Roc’s silhouette isn’t likely to change much – it’s still a good deal shorter than the Tiguan, with a roofline that gently slopes downward towards the rear. A small roof-mounted spoiler will sit above a new light-bar, which in turn will sit above ‘T-Roc’ lettering on the bootlid, like the outgoing car.

What about the new T-Roc’s interior?

We haven’t had a glimpse inside the new T-Roc yet, but we’re confident it will combine elements from the latest Golf, Tiguan and Passat. That could mean a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard fit on all models, along with digital driver’s display and a steering column-mounted gear selector to free up space in the centre console. It remains to be seen whether the new model will use Volkswagen’s controversial touch-sensitive sliders for volume and temperature control – we’ve found them fiddly to use in the past

What engines will the new T-Roc use?

As the last new car from Volkswagen to be offered with a combustion engine, the second-generation T-Roc will be offered with a range of petrol and diesel engines, including some with hybrid assistance.

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The petrol range is likely to kick off with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, probably using mild hybrid tech to boost efficiency. It’s likely to be offered in 114bhp and 148bhp states of tune, while we expect the entry-level manual gearbox to be ditched in favour of a DSG automatic. A plug-in hybrid engine will also be offered for the first time, which we assume will be lifted from the latest PHEV Golf and Tiguan. This could return over 75 miles of electric-only range and up to 268bhp.

If Volkswagen decides to renew the diesel T-Roc, it will probably use the same engine found in the diesel Golf. With no hybrid tech to speak of, buyers should be able to choose from a 114bhp or 148bhp four-cylinder engine.

4Motion four-wheel drive is expected to return for certain models – notably the PHEVs – but there’s no word yet on a new hot T-Roc R, or a T-Roc Cabriolet for that matter.

How much will the new T-Roc cost and when can I buy one?

The new T-Roc will remain middle of the SUV pack for Volkswagen, sitting beneath the Tiguan and above the T-Cross. A starting price of around £30,000 would allow it to slot neatly into this gap, with the PHEVs expected to cost around £5,000 more. While we don’t have an official launch date yet, the new T-Roc should appear in 2025.

Read about Volkswagen’s smallest and largest SUVs, the Taigo and Touareg…