The T-Roc was hardly changed over its nine-year life - is it a worthy used buy across that time frame?
When someone says they want a reliable, practical, good-looking and affordable set of wheels, the default recommendation is so often a Volkswagen Golf. But for those buyers who want a raised ride height and improved visibility (as so many do), then just nudge them towards the Golf of SUVs: the T-Roc.VW’s mid-sized crossover is a no-nonsense crowd-pleaser, not least for its distinctive design and flexible, punchy engines, allied to a smartly tuned chassis that is both comfortable and agile.The T-Roc was launched in 2017 with a price topping £30,000, but today you can find one for £7000 – which seems a steal for a well-equipped and well-rounded family car that will still feel up to date, irrespective of its age.The T-Roc is underpinned by the same MQB platform as plenty of other VW Group SUVs, but is sized and shaped for a more compact, sportier look that makes it less obviously a crossover.Its slightly low-slung stance suggests it was built with dynamism in mind, and sure enough it doesn’t disappoint. The T-Roc’s responsive and accurate steering inspires plenty of confidence, yet this agility isn’t tarnished by an unsettled ride. On the contrary, the T-Roc is comfortable and irons out bumps well. If you can find one, opt for a car fitted with the Dynamic Chassis Control package, which lets you configure the chassis depending on your mood. Stick it in Sport and the T-Roc is even more crisp and incisive to drive; select Comfort and it’s supple and pliant enough for hassle-free mile-munching.The engine you choose to power your T-Roc will determine the amount of fun you can have. If it’s B-road thrills you’re after, then seek out the 187bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol. It’s a thirsty lump that will do well to return more than 35mpg, but it’s smooth and quiet, and it delivers plenty of muscle. If the warm-hatch vibe isn’t for you, the 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol four-pot will serve you well.You’ll pay around £12k-£14k for a tidy example with roughly 60,000 miles, but that’s decent value for a fashionable crossover that will do 40-45mpg day to day. We would avoid the 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol and 1.6-litre diesel as they’re pretty staid. But if it is an oil-burner you’re after, the 148bhp 2.0-litre TDI delivers plenty of grunt, and you’ll easily manage north of 50mpg in the real world.The T-Roc’s fashionable silhouette is matched by a ritzy and upmarket ambience inside. Some elements on the dashboard and down by your knees feel a bit cheap to the touch, but aside from that it’s refined, robust and technologically slick. Specification wise, aim for at least SEL trim, which comes with the intuitive 8.0in touchscreen infotainment display and super-crisp 10.3in digital instrument cluster.Pleasingly, the T-Roc performs just as well as the Golf on the practicality front, and while it’s not as roomy as the related Seat Ateca, there’s enough space in the back for average-size adults – and even if you find one with a panoramic roof, it doesn’t encroach on head room.Most importantly, the T-Roc is a crossover that not only looks good but also makes you feel good when you drive it, and it proves that style conscious SUVs don’t cost the earth.
