Roc Solid

Can the new T-Roc help Volkswagen establish itself in the crowded SUV segment of the Indian market? Or is it too high-priced?

- Rajeev Mathew

Will T-Roc, a new SUV priced at nearly Rs 20 lakh, prove to be a winner for Volkswagen, as it seeks to re-establish itself at the top of the Indian market? That is the question on the minds of the industry watchers. The German auto giant had a slew of options to consider for the launch, but chose a vehicle in the overpopulated and highly competitive mid-price SUV segment. Despite the sceptics though, Volkswagen is confident that T-Roc packs enough to create a market for itself.

With its assertive stance, T-Roc scores well in the design department. It is not a big car, and you don’t get a lot of SUV for the hefty price tag (it starts at Rs 19.99 lakh, ex-showroom in Delhi). At 4,234 mm, it’s almost 200 mm smaller than the Hyundai Creta or the Skoda Karoq. The 1,573 mm height, again, is much shorter when compared to its competitors.

Volkswagen is known for its minimalistic approach to style, and then adding distinctive design elements that elevate the aesthetic of the car. The T-Roc’s grille, for example, is fused with the LED headlights to give the front a seamless look. It is complemented by a unique set of DRLs (daytime running lights) that also function as turning indicators.