Set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next week, and despite still being classified as a concept, the previewed model effectively represents the first production Volkswagen performance SUV to wear the R moniker since the first generation Touareg R50, albeit with a smaller turbocharged petrol engine as opposed to a 5.0-litre turbodiesel V10.
Aesthetically, the R builds on the R-Line body kit available as an option on the standard T-Roc, but hones it further by boasting a bespoke R badged grille, even wider door sills and more flared wheel arches, updated front and rear bumpers, a model exclusive rear diffuser finished in the selected body colour, a matte chrome effect finish on the mirror caps, boot spoiler and door handles, black R branded brake calipers, a two-tone roof option, body coloured skidplates and a choice of two alloy wheel options, the standard 18-inch Spielberg or 19-inch dark graphite Pretoria items.
Optionally available with a titanium Akrapovic exhaust system, the R’s interior changes are less dramatic and consists of R branded stainless steel door sills, R branded sport seats finished in optional Nappa leather with ArtVelours micro-fibre cushions, a black roof liner, a leather-wrapped flat-bottom sports steering wheel with Crystal Grey stitching, an optional body coloured finish for the dashboard and door cards, white ambient lighting, R inserts and stainless pedals.
Providing motivation, the R uses the same 2.0-litre TSI engine as the Golf R but slightly detuned from 228kW to 221kW with torque still pegged at 400Nm. Hooked to a seven-speed DSG with Volkswagen’s 4Motion system sending the amount of grunt to all four wheels, the T-Roc R also gains a launch control function and upgraded brakes taken from the Golf R Performance, which will see it dispatch the 0-100km/h mark in 4.9 seconds and reach a limited top speed of 250km/h.
Going on sale in Europe towards the end of 2019 in a choice of eight colours; Pure White Uni, Flash Red Uni, Deep Black Pearl Effect, White Silver Metallic, Indium Grey Metallic, Energetic Orange Metallic, Turmeric Yellow Metallic and Lapiz Blue Metallic, the T-Roc R, like the standard model, will not be offered in South Africa as it has been developed only for markets on the Old Continent.
