First drive in the new T-Roc. By Benjamin Brodbeck.
At home on the Portuguese coast
The first journalists have been testing the T-Roc in Portugal. Benjamin Brodbeck (27), a German blogger and publisher of AUTOmativ.de, has sent us his impressions of the first test-drive.
Its name conjures up associations with the sharp edges of the Portuguese coast and it is also made in Portugal. Volkswagen's new, atypical SUV is produced in Setúbal, about 40 kilometers south-east of Lisbon. Its body is not only light years away from rocky surfaces but has extremely sharp contours. Its colorful appearance makes it popular - not only on the coast of Portugal.
Fresh colors for Volkswagen's compact SUV
The first time I see it, I am immediately struck by the positive front of the newly designed vehicle: the daytime running lights are distinctively positioned and the headlights are located at the far edges of the sturdy radiator grille.
The T-Roc may currently be VW's smallest SUV, but it is by no means modest. After all, it is 1.82 meters wide. In combination with the bright color schemes, the width creates a very confident impression. The extrovert nature of the T-Roc continues along the sides: pronounced lips on the wheel arches and large wheels underscore a sharp, precisely drawn silhouette.
It surges ahead and handles the paved surfaces of the city just as well as gravel tracks in the hinterlands of Lisbon.
Ravenna blue? - It matches my pants!
For my first drive with the VW T-Roc I select a model in forceful Ravenna blue on an autumn day with temperatures above 25 degrees.
The color not only matches my pants but contrasts perfectly with the rocky Portuguese landscape. My T-Roc also has a Pure White roof. This underscores the configuration of the Style variant and opens the slightly angled side line to the top. In contrast, the sports model boasts a body-matched or black roof and features red brake calipers.
On the sweeping coast roads and in the picturesque villages around the Portuguese capital, I certainly cut a good figure with the Style model.
Off-road? Why not?
The T-Roc not only looks like an off-road vehicle, it can also travel off-road. All four wheels have a firm grip on the steep and stony track down to the dazzling green sea. The chassis has been raised and combined with sturdy body protection precisely defining the boundaries between the metal body shaped by human hand and the sharp edges created by nature. Heading downwards, you can hear the small off-roader's systems working, giving precise commands to the wheels. This SUV is in its element. It's a good thing I switched the driving mode selector to off-road. That makes it easier for the T-Roc to adjust to the new surface and to react in the ideal way to any obstacles along the road.
Feeling adventurous, I steer onto a narrow track past a disused fish processing plant. The T-Roc rolls down to the beach. This morning, the waves are already packed with surfers. It is hardly surprising: the coast near Cascais is one of Portugal's most popular surfing destinations.
Short overhangs and a well-proportioned rear end
All-wheel drive and the power output are not the only features that are good for off-road travel. The short overhangs make my excursion into the countryside considerably easier.
The proportions really suit the T-Roc, as does the well-designed rear: it features generously sized LED rear lights and a logo at the centre, with additional off-road elements below.
The T-Roc is a top model
In the midst of the abandoned fishponds, I meet Kalaukia.
The Portuguese model enjoys the energy of the sea and the powerful sound of the waves, just as I do. As it approaches, she inspects the T-Roc from all perspectives. She also likes the combination of sporting, urban and off-road characteristics. She feels that the radiant blue color underlines this impression and gives a sense of peace; the white roof and the large wheel rims have a certain style.
Unfortunately, there is no more time to talk to Kalaukia about the T-Roc. She has to leave to reach her next photo shoot.
I also have to hurry to catch my flight - and I am rather late. The finely glazed multimedia system helps me on my way to the airport, with the navigation system shepherding me skillfully around the rush-hour traffic.
