Lightweight metal is now the standard for passenger cars, even in base models. However, the Volkswagen T-Roc still has traditional wheel covers. Is this a sign of the equipment level in this Trend First Edition?
The Volkswagen T-Roc has been very popular in Europe since its introduction. It’s even more important for Volkswagen that the new T-Roc continues to succeed. The car is completely new from top to bottom, built on the latest version of the MQB platform, and will eventually introduce a new hybrid powertrain for Volkswagen. For now, however, we have to make do with the existing 1.5 eTSI engines. Yes, with an ‘e’, because the T-Roc is always mild-hybrid and therefore always comes with a DSG automatic transmission. Manual shifting is no longer available in this model, in line with current trends. The 1.5 comes with 115 and 150 horsepower, and in both cases, there are three trim levels, all of which carry the ‘First Edition’ designation shortly after the model’s launch. However, there are also differences between the two engine versions in terms of equipment. The 115 hp version offers a choice of Trend (-First Edition), Life, and Style, while the 150 hp version comes in Life, Style, and R-Line. The entry-level Trend is only available with 115 hp, which is, of course, the car featured here.
A nice feature from Volkswagen is that all colors can be chosen for free. The price doesn’t increase if you opt for a different shade, unless it’s Flame Red (€140, which is reasonable). A black roof, by the way, also costs extra, but Trend buyers won’t be able to afford such extras. The showcased ‘Canary Yellow’ is the introductory color and the only solid paint besides plain white. It certainly stands out, but note that white, blue, gray, and black are also available. And then there are the wheels. The Trend First Edition comes with 16-inch steel wheels and wheel covers, which, with their spoke design, make a weak attempt to pass as lightweight metal. That’s a bit disappointing in our opinion, but the wheel covers themselves are actually fun, especially since almost no one offers them anymore. However, you’ll rarely see a T-Roc on these wheels, if only because you can upgrade to lightweight metal wheels of the same size for a manageable €640. This remains a distinguishing feature compared to more expensive versions, which come with at least 17-inch wheels. The Trend is also the only version without privacy glass. Additionally, the Trend and Life can be recognized by the absence of the continuous LED strip between the headlights and taillights.
Inside, the Trend gets a 26.1 cm touchscreen instead of the larger one found in more expensive versions. A ‘digital cockpit’ instrument cluster is included, as is climate control, but the entry-level model only has one climate zone. If we look for shortcomings, the first thing we notice is that this entry-level model only has four speakers. This likely means that rear passengers have no speakers of their own, as we’ve seen before with Volkswagen. We also miss electrically folding mirrors, the seats lack lumbar support, the passenger seat is not height-adjustable, and adaptive cruise control is absent. The rear center armrest is also missing, the Trend is the only version without a variable load floor, and only in this trim it is not possible to fold the passenger seat forward to accommodate longer items in the T-Roc.
On the positive side, we note that every T-Roc comes with (regular) cruise control, the aforementioned climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a lane assist system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Enough to be happy with, but also enough features that will be quietly missed.