Verdict

We haven’t had lengthy to get to know the T-Roc because it arrived on our fleet, but it surely’s already straightforward to see why this has turn into one in every of VW’s biggest-selling fashions, as a result of it’s straightforward to drive and an excellent dimension for a lot of households.

• Mileage: 331
• Economic system: 39mpg

When the T-Roc arrived on my drive, there was undoubtedly a case of ‘Honey, I shrunk the automotive’, as a result of it’s the smallest day by day driver I’ve had for some years.

Making an allowance for my motorsport behavior, all of my current decisions have targeted on a automobile’s potential to tow a car-transporter trailer and lug a big mound of instruments and spares, plus all the security equipment that’s required for a day or weekend on the observe. 

Trying on the T-Roc, I used to be glad that I’d invested in my very own pick-up as a towcar, as a result of the phrases pores and skin and rice pudding got here to thoughts when contemplating hooking up my trailer and observe automotive to the VW. 

On the upside, the T-Roc is a five-door and rear legroom might be higher than in most crew cab pick-ups. Its load lugging was put to the check inside days of arriving chez Adams, as a result of I wanted to move myself, a check driver and photographer, plus our equipment and baggage for per week, to Gatwick en path to tyre testing in Sweden.

First impressions weren’t good, as a result of I couldn’t match all our baggage and circumstances within the boot for the journey around the M25 and one needed to go on the again seat. On our return, photographer Pete Gibson, who has performed with extra seat permutations than most, noticed my error and lowered the load bay ground.

It was tight, however the circumstances now fitted within the boot. The ground has stayed there since, as a result of I like the additional capability. It additionally has a protecting lining in there as a result of the trim seems means too good for frequent journeys to the recycling centre as I work on my home.

There have been different upsides to downsizing the day by day. I don’t should be fairly so choosy about parking locations, provided that it takes up far much less room than a pick-up, and manoeuvring at low-speed is way simpler. However that does deliver me to my first grumble.

Our T-Roc is fitted with an otherwise-fine seven-speed DSG computerized transmission and computerized parking brake. They mix to make it nearly not possible to park and reverse easily. Irrespective of how laborious I attempt to fastidiously work the throttle, low-speed manoeuvring is completed in a collection of jerks (and curses). It’s actually difficult when making an attempt to park near a wall or one other automotive, and the leap could be the distinction between hitting and lacking the impediment. Switching off the automated brake helps, but it surely’s nonetheless not good.

On the transfer, the transmission is clean, however I’ve caught it out by asking it to maneuver swiftly away from a halt, and kickdown is harsh. The turbocharged 1.5-litre motor strikes the automotive swiftly sufficient, though it does sound strained on full throttle.

It’s at its most comfy round city or on A-roads, the place it’s clean and works nicely with the compliant experience. Our check automotive is fitted with the elective Dynamic Chassis Management, which gives variable suspension settings. I’ve but to strive these, however the usual mode is nice and works nicely on motorways.

As you’d anticipate for a top-spec R-Line mannequin, the T-Roc is filled with electronics, which take some time to discover. First cease for me is all the time Apple CarPlay; it’s straightforward to make use of on the ten.25-inch display and connects wirelessly, so you’ll be able to maintain your cellphone in your pocket on quick journeys and nonetheless use it. I’ve plugged a lead into the USB socket for longer journeys to maintain the cellphone charged.

I additionally just like the adaptive cruise management, which takes the stress out of driving on busy motorways with continually various speeds. It really works nicely and could be adjusted on the steering wheel. I’ve additionally been utilizing the steering wheel controls to show off the lane help on each journey. The tugging on the wheel is irritating and I’ve but to discover a means of turning it off completely – it returns each time you restart the engine. The warning to drive within the centre of the carriageway can be one I’d prefer to completely delete.

It’s early days for the VW, but it surely has made a promising, if not excellent, begin on our fleet.

*Insurance coverage quote from AA (0800 107 0680) for a 42-year-old in Banbury, Oxon, with three factors.