Driving Volkswagen’s small T-Roc SUV today – fitting between VW’s light T-Cross and Medium sized Tiquan SUVs – as I said earlier, nicely sized for a small family with a go anywhere ability – a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine driving through a seven-speed DSG automatic with the further benefit of VW’s 4-Motion all-wheel-drive. The VW T-Roc 140TSi all-wheel-drive Sport as tested $40,490. Much like a high riding VW Golf hatch rather than an SUV the T-Roc delivers a vibrant driving experience with great steering a sports suspension and robust brakes. In recent rain its four-wheel drive characteristics purveyed a confident safe feel on road – perhaps my only criticism the tendency for the transmission to be hesitant and at times stutter on a light throttle – a trait of many similar DSG direct shift automatics.

However, for the most part the engine performance and delivery is polished and vibrant producing a 0 to 100km.hour time of just 7.2-seconds. Overall a premium small SUV, with VW’s R-line sports exterior treatment including  nice 18-inch alloy wheels and chrome roof rails. I don’t know where the T-Roc name came from but VW build it at their Portugal facility – it begs for little in comfort and convenience features but a handy power tailgate is unfortunately only included in a $3,500 optional luxury pack.

I’m David Berthon.

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