Fast Volkswagen T-Roc GTE plug-in hybrid on the way

The Volkswagen T-Roc R could soon be joined by a fast but highly efficient GTE hybrid sibling, after VW's hybrid boss has hinted a plug-in version of the upcoming small SUV is under consideration.

According to

When asked if such a car would be a good fit for the brand, Dr Philipp responded: "Our MQB technology gives us the possibility to do so."

If approved, the Volkswagen T-Roc GTE will lift its plug-in hybrid powertrain from the latest VW Mk8 Golf GTE.

That means the most efficient Volkswagen SUV will come with a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Combined, the Volkswagen T-Roc GTE will produce 180kW/400Nm, positioning it below the T-Roc R that produces more power (221kW) but the same amount of torque.

Thanks to the additional weight of the extra hybrid gubbins, the T-Roc GTE should hit 100km/h in less than seven seconds -- some way off the T-Roc R's 4.9sec.

Like the VW hybrid hatch, the hybrid SUV should also be capable of covering around 65km on pure-electric power alone -- enough for most to complete their daily commute without a single millilitre of fuel burnt.

The plug-in T-Roc GTE could be beaten to market by a hybrid version of its bigger brother, the Tiguan, which is set to be next for the VW's GTE treatment according to Dr Phillipp. “As we see it, we have the Tiguan SUV as one of the best selling cars in its market,” he explained. “And that is what we focus on right now.”

Volkswagen Australia has already ruled out the plug-in Golf GTE for our market, preferring to transition straight to pure-electric vehicles like the Volkswagen ID.3 hatch and ID.4 SUV.

It might reconsider that approach with the T-Roc GTE though, given the flagship T-Roc R has been ruled out for our market due to poor quality petrol, leaving a performance flagship-shaped hole in the T-Roc range when the compact SUV arrives here this August.