STUD OR DUD? Production Trim Volkswagen T-Roc Crossover Uncloaked

Seen here almost completely undisguised, the car's styling takes clear inspiration from the Tiguan, albeit on a smaller, lower-riding body. The T-Roc also draws heavily from the next Polo, which was recently spotted.

The sighting follows the reveal of a CGI image - see gallery - which offered a first glimpse of the upcoming small SUV's design.

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MDarringer - 4/10/2017 12:38:13 PM

-1 Boost

More of a case of too little too late. Even though this is still not fully revealed because of disguises still in plave, it's a dud. Sure, it's vaguely pleasant, but no other manufacturer will take the T-Roc seriously as a market force. VW desperately needs its "1964.5 Mustang" product to change the perception of it away from the manufacturer of dowdy, overpriced, reliability nightmares to a brand that people will flock to. Sure, this, the Tiguan, and the Atlas will improve VW's volume, but within their respective segments all three are likely to be distant, "also-ran" nameplates.

TheSteve - 4/10/2017 5:05:51 PM

+4 Boost

It looks good, but I wonder if good looks alone will be enough to result in lots more happy VW customers. VW has a lengthy history of contemptuous and adversarial relationships with their North American customers, and the dust has not settled on Dieselgate. Factor in a price-tag and operating costs that are steeper than what many expect for what they're getting, and it doesn't spell "winner" in any sense.

MDarringer - 4/10/2017 5:36:09 PM

+1 Boost

@TheSteve The TRoc is great news for VW dealers as is the Tiguan and the Atlas because they will have some vehicles to sell that the market wants, even if they aren't exactly captivating.

VW will still be in deep caca with its sedans. The Jetta is older than dirt, but a new one is not in sight. The Passat is horribly class trailing, but a new one is not in sight. The Arteon is in sight but it answers a question that VW dealers didn't ask.

Ask a VW dealer and they have no need for the Touareg and the Arteon, but would love the Amarok.