Jeep Compass-rivalling VW T-ROC Almost Sold Out in India

VW launched the T-Roc SUV in the country on March 18, 2020.  The car is priced at Rs. 19.99 lakh and has been introduced in limited numbers with just one trim. According to Steffen Knapp, Director, Volkswagen India, the T-Roc has been nearly sold out In India. Knapp, in a recent conversation with CarandBike made this revelation. The T-Roc is a premium compact SUV that was launched as CBU product in the country. The VW brought the T-Roc to our shores through the relaxed import norms that allow a manufacturer to import 2500 units of a vehicle annually without homologation.

Volkswagen T-Roc was able to make its way as a CBU, with all the equipment on-board, at just Rs. 19.99 lakh. However, this price was introductory and it would be hiked soon. That said, the carmaker is planning to locally assemble the car to keep it competitive against Jeep Compass and Hyundai Creta. On a similar note, Mr. Knapp quoted, “At the moment there’s a lot of pull, then obviously one opportunity is P&C (Parts and Components assembly), and I don’t think we will go for a fully built unit here”. His words confirmed that fs the demand curve is sustained at its current slope, a locally assembled T-Roc is not far away.

The T-Roc is offered in a single configuration in the country. It measures 4,342 mm in length, 1,819 mm in width, and 1,573 mm in height. It boasts of a wheelbase of 2,950 mm, while the cargo volume is measured at 445 litres with all seats in place. It is offered with a 1.5L TSI EVO turbocharged petrol motor that comes mated to a 7-speed DSG. This engine produces a peak power output of 150 PS at 5000 RPM and a peak torque of 250 Nm at 1,500 – 3,500 RPM.

VW T-Roc will soon see a new competitor in the form of petrol version of MG ZS.

The T-Roc is the first car in its segment to feature Active Cylinder Technology. It can deactivate 2 of the 4 cylinders of the engine to save on some precious fuel. On the features front, it comes equipped with LED headlamps, dual-zone climate control, steering-mounted paddle shifters, 10.25-inch infotainment unit, heated front seats, 6 airbags, all-4 disc brakes, heated ORVMs, ESC, TPMS, and more, as standard fitment.