Volkswagen T-roc

Incredibly popular compact crossover enters its second generation aiming to right some wrongs The Volkswagen T-Roc has been its creator's biggest-selling new car in Europe in more calendar years than any other model this decade. Now it’s back for a second tilt at success – and the new one is a lot more serious about capitalising on a receptive European audience. Relative to the first version, this Mk2 has all the hallmarks of a significantly extended development budget that only established commercial success can bring. The noises being made about it – concerning greater efficiency, better active safety features, more cabin space, more sophisticated interior quality, and a closer relationship with Volkswagen’s bigger SUVs (Tiguan, Tayron) – describe a car that’s come of age, and is ready to cement a permanent spot as its maker’s MVP.So is that more rounded, self-assured C-segment SUV the one that the Autocar road test jury is about to recognise? There’s a phased introduction of engine derivatives planned, so we looked to a mild-hybrid 1.5-litre e-TSI model, in entry-grade Life trim, to find out.