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Photo of a Volkswagen T-Roc

Volkswagen T-Roc

The original T-Roc R: Golf R hardware, crossover stance, 0–100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.12

Researched October 26, 2026 from 29 sources

Also called

  • Golf R on stiltsA label for the T-Roc R's Golf R running gear in a taller crossover body.1

At a glance

0150300
108–296 hpPower
07.515
4.8–12.3 s0–100 km/h
0125250
185–250 km/hTop speed
0200400
175–400 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,270–1,581 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.378

Engine
Gen 1: 1.0–2.0 L gas, 1.6–2.0 L diesel; Gen 2 launch: 1.5 L mild hybrid711
Layout
Front-engine, FWD or 4Motion AWD; Cabriolet: FWD35
Gearbox
Gen 1: 5/6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG; Gen 2 mild hybrids: 7-speed DSG310
Built at
Autoeuropa, Portugal; FAW-VW Foshan, China; VW Osnabrück, Germany (Cabriolet)3

The story

Born in 2017 for the compact-SUV boom, the T-Roc sits between T-Cross and Tiguan. The first generation used MQB underpinnings and spawned a soft-top Cabriolet and a 296 hp R.345

2014: Removable-roof T-ROC concept20142017: November launch on MQB A120172019: 296 hp T-Roc R debuts20192020: Cabriolet opens in 9 seconds20202021: 800-car Cabriolet Edition Blue20212022: Facelift after 1 million sales · 999 numbered Edition Grey Cabriolets20222025: MQB evo successor after 2 million sales20252026: Full hybrids and 4Motion planned2026 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet (Mk6) (Mk6): 2011–2016Mk6Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet (A5) (A5): 2012–2019A5Volkswagen T-ROC concept: 2014Volkswagen T-Roc I (SUV) (A11/D11): 2017–2025A11/D11Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet (AC7/AC8): 2020–presentAC7/AC8Volkswagen T-Roc II: 2025–present 201020122014201620182020202220242026
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones3568102122
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
2011–2016Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet (Mk6) (Mk6)
2012–2019Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet (A5) (A5)
2014Volkswagen T-ROC concept
2017–2025Volkswagen T-Roc I (SUV) (A11/D11)
2020–presentVolkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet (AC7/AC8)
2025–presentVolkswagen T-Roc II
2014Removable-roof T-ROC concept
2017November launch on MQB A1
2019296 hp T-Roc R debuts
2020Cabriolet opens in 9 seconds
2021800-car Cabriolet Edition Blue
2022Facelift after 1 million sales
2022999 numbered Edition Grey Cabriolets
2025MQB evo successor after 2 million sales
2026Full hybrids and 4Motion planned
  1. 2014

    Removable-roof T-ROC concept

    Its roof halves lift out and stow in the trunk. T follows Volkswagen's SUV naming; ROC evokes the rocky trails in the concept's brief.36

  2. 2017

    November launch on MQB A1

    The T-Roc enters Europe in November on Golf Mk7-related MQB A1 hardware, expanding Volkswagen's SUV range below Tiguan.34

  3. 2019

    296 hp T-Roc R debuts

    The Golf R-derived 2.0 L turbo sends 400 Nm through 7-speed DSG and 4Motion, reaching 100 km/h from rest in 4.9 seconds.23

  4. 2020

    Cabriolet opens in 9 seconds

    Germany gets the Cabriolet in April. Its powered fabric roof opens in 9 seconds at speeds up to 30 km/h; the body has only 2 doors.35

  5. 2021

    800-car Cabriolet Edition Blue

    Announced for Europe in September, Edition Blue limits the open-top model to 800 cars and uses matte paint.7

  6. 2022

    Facelift after 1 million sales

    The spring facelift brings a foam-backed dash, standard LED headlights and Digital Cockpit, after more than 1 million sales in 4 years.8

  7. 2022

    999 numbered Edition Grey Cabriolets

    The R-Line-based Cabriolet pairs matte Indium Grey paint with black accents; 999 cars are numbered on their sill panels.39

  8. 2025

    MQB evo successor after 2 million sales

    After more than 2 million first-generation sales, the second T-Roc adopts MQB evo and 1.5 L mild hybrids, with a November launch scheduled.31011

  9. 2026

    Full hybrids and 4Motion planned

    Plans call for 1.5 L full hybrids with 134 or 168 hp, plus a 201 hp 2.0 eTSI mild hybrid with 4Motion.11

Every generation

  • Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet (Mk6)
    Mk62011–2016
  • Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet (A5)
    A52012–2019
  • Volkswagen T-ROC concept
    Volkswagen T-ROC concept2014
  • Volkswagen T-Roc I (SUV)
    A11/D112017–2025
  • Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet
    AC7/AC82020–present
  • Volkswagen T-Roc II
    Volkswagen T-Roc II2025–present

Power over the years

From 113 hp to 296 hp in 2 years.

0100200300 201620182020202220242026 hp 2017 · 113 hp · Launch 1.0 TSI2017 · 187 hp · 2.0 TSI 4Motion DSG2018 · 113 hp · 1.6 TDI (115 PS)2019 · 187 hp · 2.0 TDI 4Motion (190 PS)2019 · 296 hp · R 2.0 TSI 4Motion DSG (300 PS)2022 · 108 hp · 1.0 TSI (110 PS)2025 · 114 hp · Second-gen 1.5 eTSI (116 PS)2025 · 148 hp · Second-gen 1.5 eTSI (150 PS)2026 · 134 hp · Planned 1.5 Hybrid (136 PS)2026 · 168 hp · Planned 1.5 Hybrid (170 PS)2026 · 201 hp · Planned 2.0 eTSI 4Motion (204 PS) 296 hp R 2.0 TSI 4Motion DSG (300 PS) 113 hp Launch 1.0 TSI
37810111213
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2017113Launch 1.0 TSI
20171872.0 TSI 4Motion DSG
20181131.6 TDI (115 PS)
20191872.0 TDI 4Motion (190 PS)
2019296R 2.0 TSI 4Motion DSG (300 PS)
20221081.0 TSI (110 PS)
2025114Second-gen 1.5 eTSI (116 PS)
2025148Second-gen 1.5 eTSI (150 PS)
2026134Planned 1.5 Hybrid (136 PS)
2026168Planned 1.5 Hybrid (170 PS)
2026201Planned 2.0 eTSI 4Motion (204 PS)

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • S / SE (original UK range)

    Standard

    S / SE (original UK range)

  • Design / SEL (original UK range)

    Standard

    Design / SEL (original UK range)

  • T-Roc (China)

    Standard

    T-Roc (China)

  • R-Line (first generation)

    Standard

    R-Line (first generation)

  • Standard

    Trend / Life / Style / R-Line (second generation)

    2025–

  • Standard

    T-Roc Cabriolet

    2020–

  • Special

    Style Design / Black Edition Plus (UK)

    2025

  • T-Roc R

    Performance

    T-Roc R

    2019–2025

    296 hp

  • Special

    R Grid Edition (Australia)

    2023

    296 hp

  • Limited

    Cabriolet Edition Grey

    2023

    148 hp

  • Limited

    Cabriolet Edition Blue

    2021

  • Limited

    T-Roc R Wolfsburg Edition (Australia)

    2025

    296 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • Fixed-roof first generation: chrome trim sweeps from the front pillars into the rear pillars.4
  • Pre-facelift first generation: slim headlights flank a broad grille; running lights sit below.412
  • Fixed-roof first generation: optional contrasting roof, front pillars and mirror caps.14
  • Fixed-roof first generation: a sloping tailgate and a license plate mounted in the rear bumper.12
  • Second generation: pronounced arches and a pointed, fang-like rear roof pillar.19

Year by year

  1. 2022 facelift

    LED headlights become standard; basic cars move the running lights and turn signals into the headlamps.814

  2. 2022 facelift

    Style's LED Plus headlights pair with hexagonal bumper lights; R-Line gets vertical LED bars.814

  3. 2022 facelift

    Optional matrix headlights add an illuminated grille strip; rear lamps darken, with optional new graphics and sweeping turn signals.814

  4. 2025 second generation

    The body grows by 12 cm, retaining a coupe-like rear; optional front lighting links matrix headlights to an illuminated white VW logo.310

  5. 2025 second generation

    A continuous rear LED bar and illuminated red VW logo appear, depending on equipment.310

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Volkswagen T-Roc
    T-Roc
    Photo of a T-Cross
    T-Cross

    T-Cross

    T-Roc is slightly larger; first-generation fixed-roof cars have a chrome strip sweeping down into the rear pillars.34

  • Photo of a Volkswagen T-Roc
    T-Roc
    Photo of a Tiguan
    Tiguan

    Tiguan

    The first-generation T-Roc has a lower, more coupe-like roofline; Tiguan is more upright with a three-window side profile.1220

Against its rivals

  • T-Roc vs Audi Q2 1.0 TFSI SE

    0–96.6 km/h lower is better

    T-Roc10.4 s
    Audi Q2 1.0 TFSI SE9.9 s
    23
  • MINI Countryman Cooper

    T-Roc vs MINI Countryman Cooper

    0–96.6 km/h lower is better

    T-Roc10.4 s
    MINI Countryman Cooper9.8 s
    23
  • Cupra Formentor

    T-Roc vs Cupra Formentor

    Power

    T-Roc296 hp
    Cupra Formentor328 hp
    1
  • Nissan Qashqai

    T-Roc vs Nissan Qashqai

    Starting price lower is better

    T-Roc31,635 £
    Nissan Qashqai30,655 £
    19

Prices

Value today $20.2K–$31.2K29

Price when newValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K$80K 2016201820202022202420262028 Value today: $20,150–$31,200 2017 · $27,165 · UK SE 1.0; approx. £1=$1.332017 · $41,875 · UK SEL 2.0 DSG; approx. £1=$1.332018 · $28,096 · UK Design 1.0; approx. £1=$1.332025 · $38,989 · UK Life; approx. £1=$1.332025 · $44,163 · UK Style Design; approx. £1=$1.332025 · $48,565 · UK Black Ed. Plus; approx. £1=$1.332025 · $60,369 · UK R; approx. £1=$1.332025 · $62,031 · UK R Black Edition; approx. £1=$1.332026 · $42,075 · UK Life; approx. £1=$1.332026 · $51,784 · UK R-Line; approx. £1=$1.33 2017 · £20,425 · UK SE 1.0, 2017; approx. £1=$1.33
12161923
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2017Launch price$27,165UK SE 1.0, 2017; approx. £1=$1.33
2017Price when new$27,165UK SE 1.0; approx. £1=$1.33
2017Price when new$41,875UK SEL 2.0 DSG; approx. £1=$1.33
2018Price when new$28,096UK Design 1.0; approx. £1=$1.33
2025Price when new$38,989UK Life; approx. £1=$1.33
2025Price when new$44,163UK Style Design; approx. £1=$1.33
2025Price when new$48,565UK Black Ed. Plus; approx. £1=$1.33
2025Price when new$60,369UK R; approx. £1=$1.33
2025Price when new$62,031UK R Black Edition; approx. £1=$1.33
2026Price when new$42,075UK Life; approx. £1=$1.33
2026Price when new$51,784UK R-Line; approx. £1=$1.33
2026Value today$20,150–$31,200

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “Solberg and Leuchter helped develop the R”
    • “1:25.31 at INTa Circuit”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 6 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 29 sources
  1. Volkswagen T-Roc R 2025 review – a Golf R on stilts? | evo evo.co.uk
  2. New T-Roc R combines performance and lifestyle | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  3. Volkswagen T-Roc - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. Ready to Roc! – World premiere of the new T-Roc | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  5. “Accept no roof!” – The new T-Roc Cabriolet | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  6. Weltpremiere des T-ROC in Genf | Volkswagen Medienportal vw.media-corner.ch
  7. VW T-Roc I – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  8. The new Volkswagen T-Roc: expressive design and innovative technology | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  9. Volkswagen offers T-Roc Cabriolet as exclusive “Edition Grey” limited series | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  10. World premiere of the T-Roc: new generation of the best seller is high quality and innovative | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  11. Drive Systems | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  12. New Volkswagen T-Roc SUV: first UK prices and specs revealed | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  13. Used Volkswagen T-Roc (Mk1, 2017-2025) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  14. Exterior design featuring refined details | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  15. 2021 VW T-Roc Cabriolet Is Another Try at the Convertible SUV caranddriver.com
  16. New trims replace VW T-Roc Style, R-Line and Black Edition - Girlracer Magazine girlracer.co.uk
  17. 2025 Volkswagen T-Roc R Wolfsburg Edition brings forbidden fruit to hot SUV | CarExpert carexpert.com.au
  18. 2023 Volkswagen T-Roc R Grid Edition review | CarExpert carexpert.com.au
  19. New Volkswagen T-Roc review – no thriller but not a snooze-fest either | evo evo.co.uk
  20. Volkswagen T-Roc design secrets revealed (sponsored) | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  21. Volkswagen Golf Mk6 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  22. Volkswagen Beetle (A5) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  23. Volkswagen T-Roc vs Audi Q2 vs MINI Countryman | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  24. Volkswagen R – the name says it all | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  25. GeoFact of the Day: The Amazing Race 33, Episode 7 Recap geofactoftheday.blogspot.com
  26. Volkswagen T‑Roc R Lap Times lapmeta.com
  27. Volkswagen T-Roc FS22 - KingMods kingmods.net
  28. Volkswagen T-Roc Reliability: Common Problems & Repair Costs | FixMyCar whocanfixmycar.com
  29. 4,316 used Volkswagen T-Roc for sale | AskCar askcar.co.uk
  • evo.co.uk
  • volkswagen-newsroom.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • vw.media-corner.ch
  • de.wikipedia.org
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • caranddriver.com
  • girlracer.co.uk
  • carexpert.com.au
  • carbuyer.co.uk
  • geofactoftheday.blogspot.com
  • lapmeta.com
  • kingmods.net
  • whocanfixmycar.com

Photo credits

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