UPDATE: Volkswagen has just confirmed the launch of its highly anticipated T-Roc, a compact crossover that is changing the game for the automaker. This model is already making waves as Europe’s fourth best-selling vehicle of the year, with an impressive 170,931 units sold through October.
Sales data from Dataforce highlights the T-Roc’s remarkable performance, especially since it is based on the first-generation model introduced eight years ago. Customer deliveries for the new T-Roc are set to begin this month, sparking excitement among fans eager to experience its upgraded features.
But the buzz doesn’t stop there. Volkswagen is teasing a high-performance R variant of the T-Roc, expected to launch in 2027. While details remain under wraps, the model is currently cloaked in camouflage, hinting at its thrilling capabilities. The T-Roc R will feature an Akrapovič quad-exhaust setup, signaling that it’s not your average crossover.
New images from Autocritica reveal aggressive bumpers and enhanced brakes, but the heart of this beast lies under the hood. The T-Roc R will share a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine with the latest Golf R, producing 328 hp and 295 lb-ft (420 Newton-meters) of torque. However, an electrifying twist is in store: it will adopt a mild-hybrid setup, aligning with upcoming Euro 7 regulations for efficiency.
Despite the excitement, Volkswagen’s engineers are prioritizing efficiency over sheer power, so the T-Roc R’s output is not expected to exceed that of the Golf R. As for the Golf R itself, it may also transition to a mild-hybrid engine in light of stricter emissions rules. Notably, the six-speed manual gearbox will not return, with the performance hatchback exclusively paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
In a significant move, the T-Roc R will not be available in the U.S. market, continuing the trend that excludes the Golf R wagon—considered one of VW’s most complete vehicles. Additionally, the R division is set to phase out the Touareg R, with production scheduled to end in 2026. Looking to the future, Volkswagen is hinting that a fully electric R model is not just a possibility, but a certainty.
As Volkswagen gears up for these exciting developments, the automotive world is on the edge of its seat. With the T-Roc’s sales momentum and the promising R variant on the horizon, this is a pivotal moment for the brand. Enthusiasts and potential buyers should stay tuned as more details emerge on these groundbreaking models.
