Pure clarity – the new design transfers the T-Roc DNA into the next generation of SUVs
Key aspects
- Enhanced design – avant-garde T-Roc combines the DNA of the predecessor with a new interpretation of the front and rear design
- Important boost to vehicle length –an increase of 122 mm makes the new T-Roc appear half a class larger and creates more space in the interior
- Progressive light design – illuminated VW logos, new IQ.LIGHT matrix headlights with high-performance main beam and 3D LED tail light clusters
- Aerodynamic efficiency – the drag coefficient of Cd = 0.29 is 10% lower than the predecessor and one of the best values for a compact SUV
The dimensions of the T-Roc
Larger size, more space. The ideal ratio between the compact exterior dimensions and the superior five-seater and thus fully family-friendly interior is one of the reasons why more than two million units of the first-generation T-Roc were sold. And this ratio has become even better in the new T-Roc. At 4,373 mm, the second generation is exactly 122 mm longer than its predecessor; the wheelbase has increased to 2,629 mm (+39 mm). This increase benefits the space available for the three seats in the rear and the 475 litres (+30 litres) of space in the luggage compartment. The new T-Roc comes in at 1,828 mm (+9 mm) wide (without exterior mirrors) and 1,562 mm (+20 mm) tall. To put that into context within the brand: The current T-Cross is up to 4,135 mm long, while the new-generation Tiguan launched in 2024 has a length of 4,539 mm. At the same time, the new T-Roc has become significantly more aerodynamic: the current drag coefficient of Cd = 0.29 corresponds to a 10 per cent improvement compared with the predecessor.
The body design
Brand new and still T-Roc. The first T-Roc already had its own unique style – an unmistakable yet appealing face that stood out from the crowd. Its hallmark features included a striking silver stripe extending from the A-pillar to the distinctive T-Roc C-pillar. This stripe helped to extend the roof line and was christened the ‘hockey stick’ by designers on account of its shape. Another of the T-Roc’s clear archetypal features was the sharp, muscular and powerful shoulder section above the rear wheel arch. These design features have also been incorporated into the successor’s new design as the DNA of this product line. So, despite its redesign and enhancements, this makes it immediately recognisable as a T-Roc – right down to the very last millimetre.
Expressive front end. Enhancing a design involves having the courage to combine the DNA of a best-seller with brand-new elements and thus take it into a new era. The front end of the new T-Roc does exactly that. The ‘face’ now showcases it stylistic relationship with the family of other modern-day Volkswagens, like the Tayron and ID.7. And yet, the ‘family face’ is just the starting point. From here, the designers have created a ‘product face’ for the new T-Roc with the greatest possible autonomy. Every line, every edge, every surface and every curve is based on logic and functionality. Take the bonnet, for example: similar to the Tayron, it is embedded in the contour that runs all the way round the high and uniform design of the front section. The peripheral outer edge of the bonnet becomes a design element in itself. The front line of this edge is merged back into the front end between and above the headlights via a slim chrome or LED strip. The bonnet also features powerful contours: the wide and smooth centre is lower, while the side surfaces are higher; the vertical lines between these surfaces meet the imagined continuation of the headlight housing inner boundaries with incredible precision.
Distinctive light design. The T-Roc has a focused and confident look thanks to the dynamic graphics of the LED headlights – especially in conjunction with the optional LED Plus headlights and the even more powerful IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights as well as the continuous LED strip of the daytime driving lights installed with both of these options. The illuminated VW logo is integrated into this graphic design (as from LED Plus headlights). The interaction between all of the elements lends the upper section of the front end a progressive and futuristic appearance. The front end’s lower segment is characterised by the wide ventilation grille. At the sides it is bordered by aerodynamic air deflectors, while the sides of the intricate black air grilles are refined by elements in the vehicle colour. At the bottom, a spoiler in the style of an underride guard rounds off the area. The daytime running light elements installed in the bumper on the predecessor have been replaced, with their function now being performed by the LED elements located in the better protected upper area of the front end.
Dynamic silhouette. Compared with its predecessor, the new T-Roc looks larger, sportier, more confident and – thanks to the premium feel conveyed at visual level – more mature. This becomes very clear when you look at the silhouette. In the upper area, the designers have added a dynamic enhancement to the silver ‘hockey stick’ (roof frame strip) and the C-pillar of the predecessor by giving the roof line an even more coupé-like finish at the rear. Both make the T-Roc appear larger and sportier. The iconic roof frame strip also separates the roof – which can be optionally painted in the contrasting colour black – from the body colour and lowers the T-Roc’s visual centre of gravity. The ratio of the comparatively flat greenhouse (roof and window surfaces) to the higher area of the painted body surfaces actually makes the new T-Roc look more like a dynamic CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) as opposed to a classic SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle). The ergonomically shaped door openers are now positioned higher up the body. A particularly striking element that forms part of the T-Roc DNA is the two-part character line. At the front, it evolves out of the LED light strip of the headlights and, with a sharp undercut, runs to just in front of the A-pillar. Below the character line, the flared front wheel arches and wings shape the appearance. The wheel arches are filled with wheels of up to 20 inches in size (previously a maximum of 19 inches). The character line does not re-emerge until it reaches the rear section of the rear doors. Here, it rises above the door handles with a radius parallel to the wheel arch and then runs horizontally into the rear end. The rear side area of the character line and the flared wings were both distinctive design elements in the first T-Roc. In the second generation, the shoulder area shaped by the undercut has become even more powerful and striking. One thing is certain: the crisp T-Roc proportions, the sculpted T-Roc muscles above the wheel arches and the strong T-Roc side skirts of the new generation lend this SUV a more masculine and athletic appearance.
