The German automobile conglomerate known as VAG has announced their most popular crossover globally, the T-Roc, with a facelift, and while the facelift brings a lot of changes to the overall design, it adds a lot of features too. The R variant of the T-Roc, however is majorly unchanged, especially in the powertrain department. But it is no slow bugger at all! So, how does it square up for the 2022 model year?
2022 Volkswagen T-Roc R
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- Model: 2022 Volkswagen T-Roc R
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How does the facelifted exterior look?
Since its launch in 2019, the T-Roc R has been a great-looking car and with this mid-life facelift, the 2022 model year T-Roc looks not only aggressive but also technologically advanced. You can guess that by the inclusion of the I.D. LIGHT with matrix LEDs in the front fascia. The front headlights might seem to be the same but they have been reworked to look slimmer as compared to the outgoing model year. The radiator grille strip along with the new taillight design and the matrix LEDs does not come fitted as standard. (Argh! Come on, Volkswagen. This isn't a cheap trim)
There are a few “R”-specific trim bits around the body, including the wider lower grille and brake cooling vents. These are functional vents, too, so there’s no fakery here – not even with the Akrapovic-tuned exhaust, which might raise some eyebrows. The rear hasn’t changed much with the R logo at the center and the big lower diffuser. Volkswagen has added new stylish alloy wheels ranging from 18-19-inch depending on your choice. It is good to see that the company is trying to expand its customization programs. In terms of the overall dimensions, the T-Roc R is the same with 4234 mm of length and a compact 2603 mm wheelbase. It is surely the most compact crossover in Volkswagen’s portfolio.
| Model | 2022 Volkswagen T-Roc R |
|---|---|
| Curb Weight | 1350kg (2,976 lbs.) |
| Length | 4234mm (166.6 in.) |
| Width | 1819mm (71.6 in.) |
| Height | 1573mm (61.9 in.) |
| Ground Clearance | 161mm (6.3 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2603mm (102.4 in.) |
Does the 2022 Volkswagen T-Roc R Have An Updated Interior?
While the exterior seems to have changed quite aggressively, especially the front fascia, the interior of the T-Roc R remains quite similar to the outgoing model year. The newly added features seem to be the slightly redesigned dashboard to house the infotainment screen which is a 9.2-inch unit fitted as standard. The Lapiz blue dashboard trim looks stunning in contrast to the blacked-out faux-leather top. The door panels along with the center console have the Lapiz blue trim and that contributes well to the overall aesthetics of the R. The rest of the updates are similar to what we have seen with the new eighth-gen Golf R.
The perforated-leather steering wheel has been redesigned with touch-sensitive buttons to control the 10.25-inch multi-information driver’s display which Volkswagen calls Digital Cockpit Pro. The sport seats have power-adjustability with power lumbar support for providing maximum comfort to the driver and front passenger. Volkswagen has offered an optional Nappa leather upholstery with the same blue accents found on the dash. Talking about comfort, we don’t think that the difference will be any drastic if compared to the outgoing model year. The interior dimensions are similar with ample legroom and headroom. If hot hatches bother with practicality, we think that the T-Roc R will fill every gap. A few of the interior features for a quick rundown would be:
- Dual-zone automatic climate control.
- Leatherette sport seats.
- Nappa leather seats. (Optional)
- Power-adjustable front seats.
- Sunroof.
- 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro.
As for the infotainment system, the 9.2-inch tablet-style display comes fitted as standard with integrated knobs on both sides. The latest iteration of MIB comes to play with added benefits including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. A one year trial of the We Connect Plus will be offered across Europe and will give access to natural online voice control and other streaming services.
| Model | 2022 Volkswagen T-Roc R |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in mm) | 970/1270/840 (38.1/50.0/33.7) |
| Second Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in mm) | 970/1250/840 (38.1/49.2/33.7) |
| Cargo Capacity | 445 litres (15.7 cubic feet) |
What comes underneath the bonnet of the 2022 T-Roc R?
The performance of the T-Roc R remains unchanged with no power gain along with the facelift, and that is okay given the fact that it has enough power. It draws all of its 300 PS and 400 Nm from the tried-and-trusted 2.0-liter, turbocharged, inline-four engine which also powers the Golf R. The engine comes mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and Volkswagen’s 4Motion AWD system. The power output is insane for a compact crossover and in the real world, Volkswagen claims that the T-Roc R will do 0-100 kmph or 0-62 mph in 4.8 seconds. Watch the outgoing 2021 T-Roc R perform against the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 and the Porsche Cayenne Coupe in a drag race.
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Driving the T-Roc R will instantly make you feel confident as it packs a torque vectoring system and the 4Motion AWD is mainly rear-wheel biased. You can take this mini SUV to the track and test its full potential. Most importantly, the suspension setup is the sportiest you can get in the T-Roc lineup. However, Volkswagen will offer a set of adaptive dampers that will work better with the T-Roc R’s electronics. The T-Roc R will behave mostly like the Golf R around the corners and that makes it a whole lot better because it is a bit more practical than the latter.
FAQ
Q:
The new T-Roc R will be available for booking at the beginning of 2022. All models will reach the dealerships in Spring, 2022.
Q:
As of now, there is no confirmation about the U.S. launch of the 2022 T-Roc R. .
Q:
No doubt, the Golf R is a true monster in the performance hatchback segment. But the T-Roc R would be a better option if you want true performance and a bit more practicality.
Q:
While Volkswagen revealed the starting price of the 2022 T-Roc, they did not do the same for the T-Roc R. However, the T-Roc R launched in 2020 with a price tag of €43,995. So you can expect it to get a hike of around €2,000 for the 2022 model year.
Q:
The cargo capacity is just 392 litres(13.8 cubic feet) available with all seats up.