Volkswagen ready T-Roc with three new models

Published on 9 January, 2018

Volkswagen have kicked off their 181 campaign with the launch of three new models – the T-Roc, Tiguan Allspace, and all new Polo.

Overview

After finishing last year as Ireland’s bestselling car manufacturer, Volkswagen have kicked off their 181 campaign with the launch of three new models – the T-Roc, Tiguan Allspace, and all new Polo.

The much anticipated T-Roc is the latest competitor to join the fast-growing ‘baby SUV’ segment and will compete with the likes of Audi’s Q2 and the Hyundai Kona. Based on the same MQB platform as the Golf, the T-Roc offers a higher ride height and additional 65 litres of bootspace over the brand’s bestselling hatchback. It will also be highly customisable with a host of personalisation options including interior colour packs and a contrasting roof design.

Starting at €24,750, it sits below the Tiguan in the line-up, and comes with a generous amount of equipment as standard. Entry level Trendline models come equipped with dual zone climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system and lane keep assist. A range of high-end tech and safety features are available as you move up the range including the digital ‘Active Info Display’ instrument cluster, park distance control and a rear-view camera.

The engine line-up consists of two petrols – a 1.0l 115hp TSI, or a 1.5l 150hp model. The sole diesel on offer at the moment is the range-topping 2.0l TDI 4motion, with a 1.6l option due to arrive later in the year.

The Tiguan Allspace is a larger and roomier version of the popular Tiguan SUV. Starting at €34,050, it comes with a seven seat option for an additional €770. Volkswagen expect uptake of the extra seats to be about 95 percent. With the back row in place, it offers 230 litres of luggage space, expanding to 700 litres when you fold them down. Trim levels and engine line up will mirror that of the Tiguan and Volkswagen are hoping that the seven seat option will help increase its share of the segment to over ten percent.

The new generation Polo is an entirely new car from the ground up. Substantially bigger than the previous model, the new Polo offers more space inside than ever and brings a host of ‘big car technology’ to the supermini segment. Some of the more high-end features now available include the Active Info Display, Rear Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring, and the latest in the Volkswagen Group’s recently upgraded infotainment systems.

Standard equipment includes Bluetooth connectivity, a 6.5 inch touchscreen and forward collision warning ‘Front Assist’ with autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian detection. The range starts at €16,795 with the 1.0l 65hp petrol. There’s also a 75hp version, or the turbocharged 95hp model starting at €21,995. The diesel option is the well-tested 1.6l TDI, with a 2.0l turbocharged GTI model on the way before the end of Spring.

Stay tuned for full video reviews and test drives of all of the above coming soon.

About the author
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Sinead McCann

Sinéad is our resident car tester who has the unenviable (-ok, slightly enviable) task of reviewing all the latest new cars to hit the market. You can follow her on Twitter @smcani and on Instagram @whatshedrives