The small crossover receives an LED light bar and standard digital instrument cluster.
T-Roc, Volkswagen’s most popular crossover, is getting a facelift. This is not just the standard model. We also include the high-performance R as well as the quirky Cabriolet. The only Wolfsburg model with a folding roof is being updated just two years after it was unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Like recent VW products like the Polo T-Roc’s Tiguan, Golf and Tiguan now have an LED light bar that cuts through the front grille. The matrix headlights are more advanced than the less-sophisticated, but also-LED, setup. It has a regular grille with no illuminated strip. The new stacked fog lights are also light-emitting diodes. Additionally, the taillights have been upgraded and now include dynamic turn signals.
According to the Germans, they have redesigned the alloy wheels and improved the color palette. They now measure 17 inches and can go up to 19 inches. You can still upgrade to the R-Line, which brings some of the sporty visual touches of the full-fat R but without the extra power of the larger engine. The T-Roc is still essentially unchanged, with minor modifications to the bumpers. It would be hard to tell the 2022 model apart from the prefacelift version if it wasn’t for the lightbar.
The changes inside the cabin are even more noticeable, as every model will feature a digital instrument cluster. The most notable novelty is the center console, where the air vents were moved lower to make way for the high-spec infotainment systems with a 9.2-inch diagonal. Lower trims include a 6.5 or 8-inch touchscreen.
T-Roc is now equipped with VW’s new MIB3 infotainment technology and can optionally be outfitted with Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. It also has touch-sensitive climate controls, in line with the Polo, Tiguan and Arteon.
VW believes that there is still enough demand for diesels to produce a pair 2.0-liter TDIs with 115 hp (85 kW), and 150 hp (1110 kW). The first is only available with FWD, while the second comes optionally with an automatic all-paw system. The T-Roc can be ordered with either a 6-speed manual gearbox, or a 7-speed dual-clutch auto depending on which option you choose.
VW’s Golf R Cabriolet days are over. The cabriolet is only available with front-wheel drive, the 1.0- or 1.5-liter TSI engine options. The six-speed manual is standard on both, however the four-pot can optionally be linked to the DSG.
The T-Roc was first introduced in 2004. It has sold more than one million copies. VW hopes that the mid-cycle facelift will keep customer demand high.