Gone are the days when performance cars used to be a different segment altogether. Even hatches and pseudo-SUVs these days offer enough horses to stop you dead in your tracks. The latest addition to the list is Volkswagen's baby SUV. The German automaker has injected the T-Roc with steroids and named it T-Roc R. The T-Roc R was launched at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, and it comes riding on 296 horses!

Let's Get To The Most Important Stuff First

The Volkswagen T-Roc R comes with the same 2.0-liter, four-cylinder TSI engine that is found in the SUV's regular variant, albeit with different output figures. The T-Roc R produces 296 horses and 295 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with 4Motion all-wheel-drive system and is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The T-Roc R benefits from a lowered suspension and comes with 17-inch braking system borrowed from the Golf R Performance package; after all, you need a strong leash to control this fast little SUV. Apart from this, Volkswagen has plonked a launch control feature, a switch to turn off the ESC, and a new 'Race' driving mode.

This Is What The T-Roc Should Have Looked In The First Place

Volkswagen has made sure the T-Roc R looks its part when it rips the roads. It has many styling cues that differentiates it from the standard T-Roc. Adding to its beast-mode looks are air intakes in the front and quad exhaust tips for the Akrapovic titanium exhaust system on the derriere. Volkswagen has added equal bits of chrome and piano black accents all around the body. It rides on exclusive 18-inch Spielberg alloys, and can be availed with 19-inch rollers as well. What adds to the overall character of the T-Roc R is the rear spoiler and the option to paint the roof black. In my opinion, the T-Roc R must be offered with the sexy black roof as standard.

Changes On The Inside Are Few

On the inside, the T-Roc R is offered with special 'R' elements, such as a flat-bottomed multifunction steering wheel, paddle shifters, a black headliner, stainless steel pedals. and white ambient lighting. There is modified foam inserts beneath the plastic elements around the cabin. Customers looking to make it more luxurious can opt for Nappa leather package and carbon inserts. From the looks of it, the T-Roc comes with the same 11.7-inch instrument cluster and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Our Take

When compared to the standard T-Roc that produces 187 ponies and 236 pound-feet of torque, the T-Roc R feels more than just a sporty spec of the same car. The display vehicle at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show is a 'near-production concept car'. However, we do not expect Volkswagen to make a lot of changes to it as the stuff displayed does not look 'concept' from any angle. These are the bits that can easily be integrated into the production version. Although the T-Roc R is better than the standard T-Roc in a lot of ways, it all boils down to the pricing, which isn't revealed yet. The T-Roc, as it is, is slightly overpriced. But the fact that company has already sold over 200,000 copies instills faith that the T-Roc R will also be a hit. What are your thoughts on the new T-Roc R? Share them with us in the comments section below.

2019 Volkswagen T-Roc R drivetrain specifications

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2019 Volkswagen T-Roc R Production Concept.

Read our full review on the 2018 Volkswagen T-Roc.

Read our full speculative review on the 2019 Volkswagen T-Roc R.

Read our full review on the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R.