SPY PICS: Volkswagen adds 'R' to T-Roc SUV

Volkswagen is already getting some good press on its Golf-based, but smaller-than-Tiguan T-Roc mid-size performance SUV.

Already praised for its noticeably sporting bent, the T-Toc is to go a fair bit further with this upcoming R version based, yes, on the Golf R.

So, the engine is most likely a direct lift from the small hatchback Golf, which produces 213kW/380Nm and transfers it to the road via the company's 4Motion AWD drivetrain and either a six-speed manual, or a seven-speed DSG gearbox.

The suspension is certain to get an upgrade, along with larger brakes than the standard T-Roc, as well as bigger wheels with grippier tyres.

The location in which the hot T-Roc was spotted by spy photographers – at the Volkswagen Group's test facility at the Nurburgring – leaves little doubt that the R version will be suitably prepared for its uplifted performance.

The looks appear to be restrained: Apart from the quad tailpipes emerging from under the stylised rear end, there's not a lot of showing-off at play. Plenty of room there for bigger wheels and showy aftermarket body kits.

With a European on-sale date for the T-Roc R set for some time in 2019, we can only hope that Australian deliveries – although the small SUV's European popularity is delaying even the regular version's local introduction – won't be too far behind.