News

Next-gen VW Tiguan, T-Roc & Passat to be brand's last ICE cars

The brand has already confirmed that the Golf and Tiguan nameplate will not be retired.

Thomas Schafer, CEO of Volkswagen, recently spoke with a German publication about the brand's future. As per reports, Schafer confirmed that the carmaker is nearly done with launching new ICE-powered cars.

Volkswagen will launch the next-generation Passat and Tiguan later this year, while the new-gen T-Roc will arrive in 2025. These will be the final ICE cars to be launched by the brand. Schafer stated that the T-Roc will be the last new combustion engine-powered car in Europe. While other models will get big product upgrades, there won't be any "completely new" vehicles after 2025.

Thomas Schafer also hinted that the Polo might be reaching its end. The upcoming Euro 7 emission regulations will make the sub-compact hatchback too expensive, especially after adding a hybrid setup. Schafer stated that a new Polo could cost as much as the 2025 ID.2all, questioning whether it would make sense to sell such a small hatchback.

Reports though do suggest that VW intends to retain the names of some of its models in the EV era. The brand has already confirmed that the Golf and Tiguan nameplate will not be retired. VW already has plans to introduce the ID. Tiguan sometime in 2026. The electric Golf, on the other hand, will arrive sometime by 2028 and will be based on the upcoming SSP architecture.

Source: Automobilwoche

 

News

Wait for my pre-booked Virtus or pick up a T-Roc demo car for 26 lakh

The GM told me that the SUV has done 6,000 km & will have a 2-year warranty. Also, I will be the first owner.

BHPian dr.delete recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I pre-booked the Virtus GT Candy White on the day of the unveil - March 8. Even then, I am being told that the wait time is 2 months ‘minimum’ for the white colour. I just don’t understand what’s the whole point of pre-booking then?

Incidentally, the GM told me about a demo T-Roc (2020) with a 6k KM odometer reading available for sale for 26 lakhs (negotiable) - all-inclusive. I’ll be the first owner if I opt-in. The car will come with a 2-year warranty plus I can opt-in for an additional warranty as well.

I always loved the T-Roc, but the car got sold out before I decided to buy a car.

My only concern with T-Roc is the availability of spare parts if VW discontinues the model altogether/doesn’t plan to import the next batch.

Also, there are some pretty handy features that aren’t available in T-Roc such as the wireless Apple CarPlay and ventilated seats, both of which I find so convenient and useful. Moreover, the space is limited in T-Roc - be it the leg-room at the back or the booth capacity. Despite all the shortcomings, I kinda love the car.

I know 26 lakhs is way overpriced, but all I had is an initial word with the GM. At what price point do you feel that this T-Roc makes any sense, if at all? Is it worth splurging my money on a model that I am not sure would be continued in future or not? Or should I wait for a few months and opt for the white Virtus GT which I have already booked?

PS: Other available colours on the GT Virtus didn’t appeal to my heart as much as the white did.

Here's what BHPian vishy76 had to say about the matter:

I would stay away from the T-Roc TD car. Firstly, the asking price of 26L seems astronomical to me and secondly, there's an aversion to TD cars anyways for obvious reasons. You never know how they have been used or abused, especially this being a DQ200-equipped car.

Having said that, the Virtus GT is too much of a compromise over the TROC in my opinion too. My advice is to get a used TROC. I am sure you will find a lower-priced example. Even if it has more km on the odo (say 20-25K km), I would still place my bets on it rather than a sparsely used TD car.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

 

News

2022 Volkswagen T-Roc facelift SUV unveiled

The Volkswagen T-Roc is also available in the Cabriolet and the performance-oriented R-line trims.

Volkswagen has unveiled the 2022 T-Roc SUV for the European market. The Volkswagen T-Roc receives a mid-life facelift and now comes packed with new features, minor design updates and a host of tech.

The T-Roc facelift comes with an updated set of LED headlamps, new front bumper housing newly designed DRLs and a revised air intake. The crossover has a tweaked front grille with a light bar connecting the headlamps. The 2022 T-Roc also gets newly designed alloy wheels ranging from 16 to 19-inches, while the rear features tail lights with redesigned LED graphics.

On the inside, the 2022 T-Roc facelift comes with an updated dashboard with a 9.2-inch central touchscreen infotainment system with Volkswagen's WeConnect suite, along with Smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The crossover also gets a new 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, reworked multifunction steering wheel, revised switchgear and door trims; among others.

The Volkswagen T-Roc is also available in the Cabriolet and the performance-oriented R-line trims. The T-Roc R-line variant features a number of exclusive details, including a larger air intake at the front, 18-inch Jerez alloy wheels, rear spoiler and many driver-assistance technologies.

The 2022 Volkswagen T-Roc facelift has a set of three petrol engines. This includes a 108 BHP 1.0-litre TSI, a 148 BHP 1.5-litre TSI and a 187 BHP 2.0-litre TSI unit. There is also a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine offered in two states of tune, producing 113 BHP and 148 BHP. All engines are mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission.

The 2022 T-Roc facelift is expected to go on sale in the UK sometime in April next year. Prices for the same will be revealed at a later date.

 

News

VW Polo, Vento & T-Roc now offered on subscription basis

The monthly subscription fee for the VW Polo is Rs. 16,500.

Volkswagen has patterned with Orix Auto Infrastructure Services Ltd. to offer a subscription-based car ownership model to its customers.

The subscription-based service will be available at 30 outlets across Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Orix & VW will provide its customers 100% on-road financing, periodic maintenance, insurance cover and an option to upgrade or return the car after the end of the lease tenure.

Customers have the option of three cars - Polo, Vento and T-Roc. The all-inclusive monthly subscription fees are Rs. 16,500, Rs. 27,000 and Rs. 59,000, respectively. Customers can subscribe to the cars for a tenure of 24, 36 or 48 months.

 

News

Skoda Kushaq vs Hyundai Creta vs Kia Seltos

Skoda Kushaq

What you'll like:

  • A breath of fresh (European) air in a sea of Korean, Chinese & Indian SUVs
  • Classy exterior & interior styling matched with solid European build quality
  • Cabin has good legroom to offer, supportive seats, perfect ergonomics & lots of storage
  • 148 BHP engine makes the Kushaq one of the most fun-to-drive crossovers in the segment
  • Sporty 1.0L & 1.5L turbo-petrols are mated to slick 6-speed MTs & smooth ATs
  • Sorted suspension offers a balanced ride & handling package
  • Safety features include 6 airbags (sadly MT only), ESC (all variants), 3-point seatbelts for all, electronic differential lock, brake disc wiping, multi-collision brake and more
  • 6-year extended warranty & 4-year all inclusive service packages available
  • Features like active cylinder tech, ventilated seats, sunroof, wireless Android Auto and CarPlay, audio system with a punchy subwoofer, auto headlamps & wipers etc.

What you won't:

  • No 1.5L diesel is a major disadvantage in a world where petrol costs over 100 bucks / litre
  • DQ200 DSG transmission has a history of poor reliability & breakdowns in India
  • Narrow width makes a 5th adult completely unwelcome. Best for 4 onboard
  • Lovely 1.5L TSI is only available on the top variant
  • At 385 litres, boot space is lesser than its direct rivals (Creta & Seltos = 433L)
  • Sure lacks the street cred / presence offered by some competitors
  • Skoda’s notorious dealerships & after-sales horror stories
  • Missing some now expected features such as 6 airbags on the ATs, driving modes (sport), panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, electric driver's seat adjustment & regular USB ports
  • Turbo-petrols are very sensitive to driving style. FE will drop drastically when you drive hard

Review Link

Hyundai Creta

What you'll like:

  • A superbly engineered all-rounder that delivers a premium experience
  • We find the Hyundai Creta to be well-priced for what it offers
  • User-friendly interiors with sufficient space & good quality parts
  • Loved the 1.4L turbo-petrol & 1.5L diesel. These are fantastic engines
  • Smooth & competent automatic gearboxes available. With the useful "auto-hold" feature too
  • Sorted road manners & handling for a Hyundai, including on the highway. You will be surprised!
  • The Creta's safety package includes 6 airbags, ESP, all-wheel disc brakes, TPMS etc.
  • Impressive kit (panoramic sunroof, paddle shifters, Bose sound system, cooled seats, cabin air purifier & loads more)
  • Hyundai's competent after-sales service, fuss-free ownership & upto 5-years standard warranty

What you won't:

  • Oddball love it or hate it styling. We find the Creta's exterior design to be too weird & futuristic
  • Firmer suspension isn't as cushy as the 1st-gen Creta. It is more comfortable than the Seltos though
  • Back seat's width makes it better for 2 adults and a kid, rather than 3 adults
  • Some misses (no auto wipers, 360-degree camera, illuminated window buttons, full-size spare tyre on top trims)
  • Dual-clutch ATs (like the Hyundai Creta Petrol DCT) have a history of poor reliability in India
  • Diesel’s 113 BHP & 250 Nm – although adequate – are the lowest in the segment. Old 1.6L CRDi was superior
  • No manual transmission available with the fast 1.4L Petrol (Seltos offers this combo)
  • The stiffer Seltos has an edge in the handling department. IMHO, the Kia is better looking too
  • You get bigger SUVs & Crossovers for the same money (e.g. Hector, Harrier, XUV500)

Review Link

Kia Seltos

What you'll like:

  • A superbly engineered all-rounder that delivers a premium experience
  • Handsome, contemporary styling. Looks very sharp
  • We find the Seltos to be well-priced for what it offers
  • Nice, user-friendly interiors with sufficient space & good quality
  • Loved the 1.4L turbo-petrol & 1.5L diesel. They are BS6 compliant too
  • Both the automatics - Diesel AT & Petrol DCT - are simply fantastic!
  • Mature on-road behavior, including at highway speeds. A+ brakes as well
  • Unusually wide variant offering. Seems there is something for everyone
  • Safety kit includes 6 airbags, ESP, all-wheel disc brakes, blind spot monitor, TPMS etc.
  • Impressive kit (360 degree camera, HUD, front parking sensors, Bose sound system, cooled seats, cabin air purifier & loads more)

What you won't:

  • Barely managed 3-stars in the GNCAP crash tests (full discussion)
  • Firm suspension. Liveable, but bad roads will bother you (especially on 17" wheel variants)
  • Back seat's width makes it better for 2 adults and a kid, rather than 3 adults
  • Niggles are being reported by owners (details here)
  • Some misses (illuminated window buttons, thinner spare tyre on top trims, no dual-tone option on GTX+ / HTX+)
  • Dual-clutch ATs (like the Petrol DCT) have a history of poor reliability in India
  • Diesel’s 113 BHP & 250 Nm – although adequate – are the lowest in the segment.
  • Extremely confusing & complicated variant spread. We still haven’t gotten the hang of it!
  • Kia's after-sales service quality is an unknown. We await details in our ownership reports
  • You get bigger SUVs & Crossovers for the same money (e.g. Hector, Harrier, XUV500)

Review Link

Jeep Compass

What you'll like:

  • Handsome Cherokee-inspired styling & loads of character
  • Solid build. Feels very robust, just as a Jeep should
  • Powerful 2.0L diesel. Good driveability in the city, fast on the open road
  • 1.4L turbo-petrol makes 161 BHP! Offers fast performance.
  • Mature suspension setup, nicely-tuned EPS & rock-solid stability
  • Capable AWD available (unlike some competitors)
  • City-friendly: Compact size, higher seating, smooth gearshift, soft clutch & low NVH
  • Topnotch safety: Strong all-disc brakes, a plethora of electronic aids & 6 airbags
  • We think the Compass is well-priced for what it offers. The driving experience & overall package feel premium

What you won't: 

  • Small size for the price! A sentiment echoed by most people who saw it in person
  • Suitable for 4 adults, not 5. Boot is small too
  • Tiny dealership network. Plus, after-sales quality & long-term reliability are unknown factors
  • AWD's premium is over 2 lakh rupees on-the-road. Includes 4 extra airbags, but is still too much
  • Turning radius of 5.65m is wide. Also, 17º approach angle is too low
  • Missing goodies (blanks on the steering, lumbar adjustment, reclinable rear seats)

Review Link

Review Link - Petrol AT

Link to Report - The Trailhawk

Tata Harrier

What you'll like:

  • Smooth & competent 6-speed automatic transmission
  • Stunning looks & strong road presence. Solid build too
  • Classy, spacious cabin with comfortable seats & a chilling air-con
  • Fantastic 9-speaker audio system. Sound quality & bass are enjoyable
  • The Harrier's 2.0L diesel now gets 30 BHP more & offers good performance
  • 205 mm of ground clearance + terrain response system. Latter will make monsoon driving safer
  • Topnotch safety kit includes 6 airbags, ESP, break reminder, hill hold, brake disc wiping & more
  • Features such as the panoramic sunroof, Eco & Sport modes, auto headlamps & wipers, cruise control…

What you won't:

  • Heavy steering gets cumbersome at parking / u-turn / crawling speeds (<5 km/h)
  • Harrier AT’s focus is on smoothness & comfort; gearbox is not the most responsive
  • Concerns over niggles & long-term reliability associated with Tata cars
  • Service visit every 6 months / 7,500 km (12-months is the norm today)
  • Diesel engine does get loud at 3,500 rpm & its engine note is quite sad too
  • No petrol option (almost all competitors offer it). No AWD for enthusiasts either
  • Although improved, the Harrier's steering @ 120 km/h is still a level too sensitive
  • Tata's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble

Review Link

Review Link - Diesel AT

MG Hector

What you'll like:

  • Big size & lots of bling for the money! We find the Hector to be well-priced
  • A spacious cabin that can easily seat 5 adults. Massive 587 litre boot too
  • Fiat-sourced 2.0L diesel is simply fantastic
  • Compliant ride quality. Suspension is tuned for comfort
  • Lots of kit (panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, electric seats & tailgate etc.)
  • ‘Connected’ Tablet ICE with an embedded SIM & lovely sound quality
  • 5-year / unlimited km warranty with roadside assistance
  • Top safety equipment includes 6 airbags, ESP, HSA, all-wheel disc brakes, TPMS & more

What you won't:

  • Awkward styling on the side & rear profiles. Looks weird from some angles
  • Sloppy high-speed handling, noticeable body roll & easy understeer
  • The petrol engine is “adequate” at best. Its guzzling Automatic variant is unimpressive
  • No Diesel AT (Creta, Seltos, XUV500, Hexa offer this combination, which we love)
  • Some annoyances like the ~6 meter turning radius, strange rpm meter…
  • Small after-sales network. Service quality & long-term reliability are big unknowns
  • Waiting period runs into a couple of months
  • Don’t get blinded by the British branding. This is a Chinese car

Review Link

Mahindra XUV500

What you’ll like:

  • A well-engineered, contemporary SUV with a value-for-money price tag
  • More mature styling. Front end no longer looks garish
  • Acres of space on the 1st & 2nd seat rows
  • Competent engine delivers fantastic urban driveability, as well as fast highway performance
  • Balanced ride & handling package
  • Safety kit includes 6 airbags, ESP with rollover mitigation, ABS + EBD and all-wheel disc brakes
  • Expansive feature list (sunroof, touchscreen ICE, powered driver's seat, cruise control etc.)

What you won’t:

  • Absolutely no luggage capacity with all the seats in place
  • Cramped 3rd seat row is best suited to children only. A sliding middle row is sorely missed
  • Interior quality, although better, still has a lot of scope for improvement
  • Clutch is lighter now, but has a long travel range & high resting point. Gets cumbersome in traffic
  • Niggles & issues, as reported by existing XUV500 owners
  • Mahindra's inconsistent sales & service experiences

Review Link

Review Link - Diesel AT

Volkswagen T-Roc

Launch Thread

Seahawk's Ownership Review

Click here to read BHPian comments

 

News

2021 Volkswagen T-Roc bookings open

Customer deliveries of the T-Roc will start from May 2021.

Volkswagen has commenced bookings for the second batch of the T-Roc. Customer deliveries will start from May 2021.

The 2021 Volkswagen T-Roc is priced at Rs. 21.35 lakh (ex-showroom). The crossover is imported as a completely built unit (CBU).

The T-Roc is based on the MQB platform and is powered by a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine that produces 148 BHP @ 5,000-6,000 rpm and 250 Nm @ 1,500-3,500 rpm. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Last year, the carmaker had imported 1,000 units of the T-Roc, under the new rule which allows brands to import 2,500 units without the need for homologation.

 

News

2021 Volkswagen T-Roc priced at Rs. 21.35 lakh

Bookings for the second batch of cars are open and deliveries are expected to begin in April.

Volkswagen has increased the price of the 2021 T-Roc by Rs. 1.36 lakh. The crossover is now priced at Rs. 21.35 lakh (ex-showroom, India).

The T-Roc is imported as a completely built unit (CBU). Bookings for the second batch of cars are open and deliveries are expected to begin in April.

Volkswagen had imported 1,000 units of the T-Roc last year. The company had received over 2,000 bookings, out of which, 950 cars were delivered.

The T-Roc is based on the MQB platform and is powered by a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine that produces 148 BHP @ 5,000-6,000 rpm and 250 Nm @ 1,500-3,500 rpm. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

 

 

News

Rumour: Volkswagen T-Roc back on sale; bookings open

Bookings for the T-Roc are said to be open again and deliveries could begin in April.

The Volkswagen T-Roc was launched in March 2020 and Volkswagen had imported 1,000 units of the car as completely built units (CBU). In September 2020, we had reported that the car was sold out and bookings were closed.

Now, it has been reported that the T-Roc is back on sale due to public demand and that bookings are open. Deliveries for the car is expected to begin in April 2021.

The T-Roc is based on the MQB platform and is powered by a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine that produces 148 BHP @ 5,000-6,000 rpm and 250 Nm @ 1,500-3,500 rpm. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Thanks to BHPian TRANSAM for sharing this with other enthusiasts.

 

News

Hyundai Tucson vs Honda CR-V vs Jeep Compass

Hyundai Tucson

What you'll like:

  • Contemporary styling that is universally appealing
  • Punchy 2.0L diesel engine mated to a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Comfortable ride quality & car-like dynamics
  • Cool features such as the panoramic sunroof, hands-free tailgate, LED headlamps, electric parking brake, ECO / Sport driving modes, Blue Link telematics & more
  • Top-notch safety kit: 6 airbags, ESC, VSM, all-wheel disc brakes, hill-start assist etc.
  • Hyundai's reliability, competent after-sales, 3 year unlimited km warranty & 3 years of free servicing!

What you won't:

  • No w-o-w factor on the inside. Interior simply doesn't feel special enough for a Rs. 30 lakh car
  • Expensive, especially the top trim. Full-size 7-seater SUVs are priced in the same ballpark
  • Some features are conspicuous by their absence (ventilated seats)
  • No manual transmission available
  • 2.0L petrol motor is strictly average. Doesn't impress like the diesel

Review Link

The 2020 Facelift - Review Link

Honda CR-V

What you'll like:

  • New, sharper design has a wider appeal vs the previous-gen car
  • Interior quality has taken a huge leap forward and is at par with European competitors
  • Spacious cabin for 5
  • Sorted dynamics & car-like mannerisms
  • Features such as the lane change camera, digital cockpit, push-button gear selector, panoramic sunroof & more

What you won't:

  • Simply overpriced for what it offers!
  • No diesel or AWD options available
  • Some omissions such as front parking sensors, electronic tailgate operation etc.
  • 7-seater variant has been dropped

Review Link

Jeep Compass

What you'll like:

  • Handsome Cherokee-inspired styling & loads of character
  • Solid build. Feels very robust, just as a Jeep should
  • Powerful 2.0L diesel. Good driveability in the city, fast on the open road
  • 1.4L turbo-petrol makes 161 BHP! Offers fast performance
  • Mature suspension setup, nicely-tuned EPS & rock-solid stability
  • Capable AWD available (unlike some competitors)
  • City-friendly: Compact size, higher seating, smooth gearshift, soft clutch & low NVH
  • Topnotch safety: Strong all-disc brakes, a plethora of electronic aids & 6 airbags
  • We think the Compass is well-priced for what it offers. The driving experience & overall package feel premium

What you won't:

  • Small size for the price! A sentiment echoed by most people who saw it in person
  • Suitable for 4 adults, not 5. Boot is small too
  • Tiny dealership network. Plus, after-sales quality & long-term reliability are unknown factors
  • AWD's premium is over 2 lakh rupees on-the-road. Includes 4 extra airbags, but is still too much
  • Turning radius of 5.65m is wide. Also, 17º approach angle is too low
  • Missing goodies (blanks on the steering, auto-dimming IRVM, auto wipers & headlamps, lumbar adjustment, reclinable rear seats)

Review Link

The Petrol Automatic - Review Link

The Trailhawk:- Link to Report

Volkswagen T-Roc

Seahawk's Ownership Review

Mahindra Alturas G4

Link to Short Review

Click here to read BHPian comments

 

News

Volkswagen T-Roc sold out; bookings closed

Bookings for the VW T-Roc are now closed.

Volkswagen has announced that the T-Roc has been sold out in India. The carmaker is no longer accepting fresh bookings for the car.

The T-Roc was launched in March 2020. The car is imported as a completely built unit (CBU) under the new rule which allows carmakers to import 2,500 units without the need for homologation. Initially, Volkswagen had imported 1,000 units.

The T-Roc is based on the MQB platform and is powered by a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine that produces 148 BHP @ 5,000-6,000 rpm and 250 Nm @ 1,500-3,500 rpm. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Next year, VW is planning to launch the Taigun in India. The crossover will be based on the MQB A0 IN platform and will be positioned below the T-Roc.

 

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