New T-Roc SUV starts its development journey ahead of going on sale in 2017; it joins an expanding SUV family from VWThe first early engineering mule for a production version of Volkswagen's T-Roc SUV has been spotted testing.
Disguised in a Tiguan body, this mule is believed to be chassis testing for the new T-Roc, which should reach the market in two to three years' time, according to a Volkswagen spokesman. This test mule features a much narrower wheelbase than the current Tiguan, and also appears to be shorter.
Destined to become a rival for the likes of the Nissan Juke, the Golf-based T-Roc was shown in concept form at the Geneva motor show earlier this year. It will become part of a five-strong SUV line-up from VW, and is tipped to share its underpinnings with the Audi Q1, which is due to start production in 2016.
At 4179mm long, the T-Roc is some 200mm shorter than the current Tiguan, accounting for the shorter wheelbase seen on this test mule. VW is believed to be targetting a kerb weight of 1420kg for the production model.
Based on the flexible MQB platform, the production T-Roc should come from a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder common rail diesel engine with 181bhp and 280lb ft of torque. Drive will be sent through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, while four-wheel drive and selectable driving modes should also be offered.
A new version of the Tiguan SUV is also due to arrive in 2017, while production versions of the Taigun and CrossBlue should also go on sale.
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