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Volkswagen T-Roc, the test of the second series. Now only hybrid

Renewed from top to bottom it is more technological, connected and, for the first time, only electrified. Next year it will also bring full hybrid engines back into the brand's ranks in addition to the 48 V hybrid with which it debuts.

by Massimo Mambretti

22 November 2025

6' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Key points

Volkswagen T-Roc, electrifies with full hybrid engine
Volkswagen T-Roc, evolution rests on renewed architecture
Volkswagen T-Roc, bigger, more rounded and aerodynamic than its predecessor
Volkswagen T-Roc, even the interior is all new
Volkswagen T-Roc, how's the eTsi with 150 hp
Volkswagen T-Roc, equipment and prices

6' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

The new generation of the T-Roc shares practically nothing with its predecessor. It changes outside and inside, it is based on a different architecture, it is much more connected while also offering ChatGpt, it has many new technologies and a totally different range. In fact, after having been one of the few Volkswagens that never had hybrid engines, the new generation is totally converted to this technology and, at the same time, totally repudiates the turbodiesels that gave the previous series such a boost.

Le foto della prova della nuova Volkswagen T-Roc
Photogallery12 foto

Volkswagen T-Roc, electrifies by reconsidering full hybrid engine

The conversion to electrification of the T-Roc rests not only on 48 V mild hybrid versions like other models of the Volkswagen group, but also on full hybrids, which will arrive in 2026 and are not the first from the German group. In fact, more than a decade ago, Volkswagen itself developed a full hybrid coupled to a dual-clutch gearbox. A system with which it anticipated what other manufacturers would later do, distancing themselves from Toyota, which has always proposed a gearbox emulating a continuously variable ratio. That engine was only applied to the Jetta alias Golf three-box, presented at the 2012 Detroit motor show and then displayed the following year at the Geneva motor show, but it was only sold in certain markets and never in Italy. This Jetta had very little success and was shelved in 2016 along with its 150 horsepower powertrain made up of a 1.4-litre turbo engine and an electric unit that propelled it for a few kilometres at zero emissions even up to 70 km/h, which Volkswagen then completely 'forgot' about along with the rest of the world. Now, Volkswagen is re-evaluating that solution, which has since spread through the ranges of many of its competitors, garnering much acclaim, but at the moment only reveals that it will be offered in 136 and 170 hp variants. However, reliable rumours point to a system integrating a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and, of course, electric units along with a gearbox that will not, however, be dual-clutch and which, easy to prophesy, will extend its reach to the German group's other brands.

Video recensione Volkswagen T-Roc, la prova della nuova serie solo ibrida

Volkswagen T-Roc, evolution rests on renewed architecture

The T-Roc 2025 edition draws many inspirations from both the latest thermal and purely electric models. In fact, the new series is based on the Mqb Evo architecture introduced by the Golf 8 and later also adopted by the current Tiguan and Passat Variant, which optimises interior space while allowing the adoption of hybrid engines of all kinds with all their accessory components, the latest generation of electronic systems that increase dynamism through a multi-armed rear axle and the latest evolution of the optional adaptive suspension, safety and driver assistance. Awaiting the Hybrid versions with 136 and 170 horsepower and 48-volt 2.0 eTsi mild hybrid with 4Motion all-wheel drive, which will initially be offered in the 204-horsepower variant and later also in the R-boosted variant, the new T-Roc debuts with two 48-volt mild hybrid versions with 115 horsepower and 220 Nm of torque and 150 horsepower with 290 Nm of torque. Both are powered by the supercharged 1.5-litre eTsi Evo2 petrol engine with automatic deactivation of two of the four cylinders in certain situations of use combined with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. In practice, these are the same units available for the Golf 8. In the case of the T-Roc, the less powerful one pushes the car to 196 mph and 100 mph in 10"6, while the other allows it to reach 212 mph in 8"9. In terms of fuel consumption, Volkswagen claims an average of 5.5-6 litres per 100 kilometres, depending on the trim.

Volkswagen T-Roc, bigger, more rounded and aerodynamic than its predecessor

The generational change pushes the length of the T-Roc from 4.24 to 4.37 metres and lengthens the wheelbase from 2.60 to 2.63 metres, but does not change the width, which is 1.82 metres, or the height, which is now 1.57 metres. The line is defined by a design based on rounded surfaces and stylistic features that lend a certain muscularity to the appearance, such as the robust wheel arches and some specific details of the top of the range R-Line trim. Inspirations from more recent Volkswagens also stand out in the features, such as the family style defined by the light signature running across the entire front, which can optionally be formed by Matrix Iq.Light LED headlights, as well as the LED strip running along the tailgate linking the rear lights and also integrating the illuminated VW logo. The new T-Roc is also distinguished from its predecessor by a sleeker profile imparted by proportions that set back the volume of the cabin and lengthen the front, as well as by the marked inclination of the rear window surmounted by a sturdy at the end of the roof that harmoniously closes the silhouette. The new design also makes a strong case for aerodynamics as the T-Roc's Cx drops from 0.34 to 0.29 to benefit overall efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.

Volkswagen T-Roc, even the interior is all new

The linear interior design made of quality materials and well assembled brings tradition and digitalisation together. The latter is based on the configurable 10.3-inch cockpit and the 12.9-inch central infotainment display, but the head-up display can also be added to the combination.

The infotainment system runs on the Mib4 operating system, has a clear graphic interface that offers shortcuts for quick access to certain functions, integrates wireless connectivity for smartphones and the virtual assistant that works in synergy with ChatGpt. This display rests on the impractical strip with which the temperature and volume of the hi-fi are controlled by touch, while the other climate control functions (tri-zone in the top range trim) are integrated in the central display but always visible. On the console between the seats, orphaned by the gearstick lever moved to the right of the steering wheel column as on all the latest Volkswagens, there is a knob with an Oled screen to manage the hi-fi system, the driving modes, the calibration of the optional adaptive trim in 15 different steps and the ambient lights, as well as the charging plate for the smartphone. There is no shortage of space in the passenger compartment, thanks to the increase in body length and wheelbase; however, the large central tunnel at the rear disturbs those sitting in the middle back. The boot has more capacity than the previous T-Roc, as the capacity ranges from 475 to 1,350 litres.

Volkswagen T-Roc, how's the eTsi with 150 hp

In the new T-Roc, the ride is very comfortable thanks to the acoustic insulation and, if requested, the latest evolution of the adaptive set-up in place of the standard sports set-up that tunes to eco, comfort, sport, off-road and individual driving modes, which can be used to adjust the rigidity of the set-up in fifteen different steps without ever compromising the gradualness with which the car overcomes road irregularities. The dynamically more powerful T-Roc 1.5 eTsi is very agile, instinctive to drive and always reliable, highlighting the advantages brought by the latest evolution of the Mqb platform.

Its engine expresses itself in a linear manner, not letting up when two of the four cylinders are on stand-by, and thanks to the power and torque of 250 Nm already available at just over 1,000 rpm and the boost it adds in speed changes, the electric motor-generator offers good thrust up to intermediate revs, but does not have a particularly lively temperament. In terms of consumption at the end of the test on all kinds of roads and using all vehicle configurations according to the driving situation, the on-board computer recorded an average of 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres, so not far from the declared figure.

Volkswagen T-Roc, equipment and prices

The new T-Roc, which will be available from the beginning of 2026, is offered in Life, Style and R-Line trim.

The price list for the 115-horsepower eTsi versions for which there is no R-Line variant ranges from 34,000 to 37,000 euros, that of the 150-horsepower variant that can be chosen in all three trim levels ranges from 37,000 to 41,000 euros. The equipment of the T-Roc Style and R-Line add accessories such as heated front seats with pneumatic massage function, inductive charging for the smartphone, keyless opening and ignition system and 18-inch wheels to the rich Adas equipment for semi-assisted driving level 2 also offered by the Life.

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