- Volkswagen Builds New Golf-based SUV
Following the success of Volkswagen Tiguan, a sport utility vehicle, the automaker has completed work on another SUV, which will be based on the Golf model and positioned below the Tiguan.
Many people love the Golf, even in Nigeria. Those who have used the sedan Golf give nice testimonies about the fuel-efficient and easy to maintain vehicle. The idea of a Golf-based SUV is indeed good music to them.
The German automaker says the new SUV has been built based on the popular Golf model and it is meant to expand the Golf line-up.
A report on Tuesday by an auto journal, drive.com, says the new crossover SUV was originally previewed by the T-Roc concept car.
But lovers of VW and crossover SUV will have to wait up until next year after the new ride must have be unveiled at the Geneva motor show in March 2017, according to senior officials at Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg headquarters in Germany.
No official statement has been made on possible sales of the new Volkswagen SUV, though the new high riding model will slot into the German automaker’s line-up underneath the second-generation Tiguan, says drive.com.
It says, “Earlier reports suggested the new Volkswagen SUV would eschew the T-Roc name for a more conventional nomenclature.
“A copyright application made in 2014 reveals Volkswagen registered alternatives for the new model, including Teracor, but Volkswagen boss Herbert Diess has now confirmed a decision has been made to retain the T-Roc name for the production version.
Unlike the original targa roof touting T-Roc concept revealed back in 2014, the production version of Volkswagen’s latest SUV is planned to receive a fixed roof and five-door hatchback layout, similar to its more conventional Golf siblings.
While adopting typical Volkswagen styling elements, the new SUV will sport a uniquely styled steel body.
In concept car form, the T-Roc measures 4178mm in length, 1831mm in width and 1501mm in height, reports another online auto journal, Autocar.
By comparison, the second-generation Tiguan stretches to 4486mm in length, 1839mm in width and 1632mm in height.
Like the Golf and Tiguan, the T-Roc is based on Volkswagen’s versatile MQB platform. It is expected to come with a wheelbase similar to the Golf at 2640mm, or 41mm shorter than the Tiguan.
Interior
Inside, the production T-Roc is planned to adopt the same dashboard and features as the newly unveiled face-lifted seventh-generation Golf, complete with an optional high definition Active Info Display instrument pack and 9.2 inch infotainment monitor supporting touch, speech and gesture control.
Engine
Among the engines set to power the new Volkswagen is the company’s turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI petrol engine with 84kW as well as the new turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder TSI Evo units unveiled in the face-lifted Golf in 96kW and 110kW guises.
Also planned is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that will provide the basis for the T-Roc GTi with up to 180kW.
The diesel line-up will include updated versions of Volkswagen’s 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines, which Diess describes as being “cleaner than most from rival manufacturers”.
Alongside front-wheel drive, selected T-Roc models are also planned to offer four-wheel drive, either as an option or as standard.
Gearboxes will include a standard six-speed manual and optional seven-speed dual clutch automatic, or DSG dual shift gearbox as Volkswagen prefers to call it.
Auto car also says, “The T-Roc is one of three new SUVs to be added to the Volkswagen line-up before the end of 2019. The larger Atlas, which is reserved primarily for the US and Chinese markets, made its debut late last month. An even smaller model, previewed by the T-Breeze concept at this year’s Geneva motor show, is planned to go into production by 2019.”
