Volkswagen T-Roc long-term test
I've also gone for the six-speed manual gearbox, instead of the automatic alternative. I previously ran a back-to-basics Skoda Fabia[1] and loved having a manual gearbox - something which seems a novelty in new cars today with the rise of electric cars and a general growing preference of autos.
Speaking of previous long term test cars; I'm no stranger to small SUVs. I've previously had great experiences running a Seat Arona[2] and Suzuki S-Cross[3].
There were some drawbacks with them, though.
As they are "small" by definition, I found the 400-litre boot in the Arona to be a bit of a squeeze to pack all of my kit in - as one of What Car?'s videographers I'm forever weighed down by tonnes of equipment. I'm hoping the T-Roc's 445-litre boot will prove to be noticeably bigger.
And, yes, I've mentioned the T-Roc is on the pricier side compared to its rivals, but you do at least get a lot of bang for your buck. Entry-level Life trim is well equipped with an 8.0in touchscreen infotainment system that gets Apple CarPlay[4] and Android Auto[5], you also get two-zone climate control and a digital driver display.
I thought Life trim was well equipped enough and I didn't need to jump up GBP3000 for Style trim, where the T-Roc strays quite close to Audi Q2[6] and BMW X1[7] territory.
I chose the red metallic paint to give the T-Roc a little extra flair, and opted to add wireless phone charging for some added convenience.
The media navigation system provides routes, road sign displays and online traffic information to help on longer journeys.
Having just arrived I've only been able to do a couple of airport runs in the T-Roc so far, but I'm already feeling positive about it. This is the exact spec which What Car? named as the best small SUV[8] you could buy in 2023 - I'm hoping for a five-star experience with it over the next few months.
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References
- ^ Skoda Fabia (www.whatcar.com)
- ^ Seat Arona (www.whatcar.com)
- ^ Suzuki S-Cross (www.whatcar.com)
- ^ Apple CarPlay (www.whatcar.com)
- ^ Android Auto (www.whatcar.com)
- ^ Audi Q2 (www.whatcar.com)
- ^ BMW X1 (www.whatcar.com)
- ^ best small SUV (www.whatcar.com)
- ^ here (pages.haymarket.com)
- ^ long-term test cars (www.whatcar.com)
- ^ Volkswagen T-Roc deals (www.whatcar.com)
- ^ New Car Deals (www.whatcar.com)
- ^ Target Price (www.whatcar.com)