If you’re a long-time, regular reader of this website (which, if you ask us, you really should be), you’ll probably remember a story from April 2018 suggesting the Volkswagen T-Roc was unlikely to be offered in South Africa. Well, the local arm of the German firm has now confirmed the Golf-sized crossover is indeed heading to SA.
VW SA confirmed the news to CARmag.co.za during the international launch of the smaller T-Cross in Spain. For the record, the Polo-sized T-Cross is scheduled to arrive in South Africa in the third quarter of 2019, with initial engine options expected to include a pair of 1,0 TSI petrol units (with outputs of 70 kW and 85 kW).
And the T-Roc? Well, while VW SA could not confirm an exact launch date, it seems likely the sub-Tiguan model will touch down on local soil in either the first or second quarter of 2020.
While local powertrain options have yet to be announced, the T-Roc is offered in Europe with VW’s familiar range of turbocharged engines: three petrol TSI engines and three TDI diesels (in front-wheel-drive form as well as with optional 4Motion all-wheel drive). In those markets, there is a mix of manual gearboxes and seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions. Find more details on the engine range here.
So, what about the recently revealed 221 kW T-Roc R? Well, while there’s no official word from VW SA on this high-performance crossover just yet, we certainly have our fingers crossed…
[UPDATE: VW SA has released the following statement: “As from 2020, Volkswagen will add another SUV model in the line-up for the South African market. The premium, sporty and stylish T-Roc, which is the first Volkswagen SUV that is available to order in two-tone paintwork, will make its way into the local market next year”].
