Volkswagen T-Roc 140TSI R-Line 2024 Review

The 2024 Volkswagen T-Roc 140TSI R-Line is in a hotly contested part of the small SUV segment. At $47,990 before options and on-road costs (ORCs), it represents decent value compared to its competition.

The 140TSI gains 4MOTION all-wheel drive (AWD) and faces rivals such as the $46,500 Hyundai Kona Premium N-Line, $47,540 Mazda CX-30 G25 Astina and the front-wheel drive Nissan Qashqai Ti, which is $47,390. All prices are before ORCs.

The T-Roc starts at $36,890 for the base, front-drive CityLife SE, progressing to the $39,790 110TSI Style and topping out with the performance-orientated R at $63,490.

The 2024 Volkswagen T-Roc 140TSI R-Line differentiates itself from the range namely via faux air inlets below the headlights and a pseudo quad exhaust. Extra R-Line-specific styling cues adorn the exterior, highlighted by the 18-inch ‘Nevada’ alloy wheels.

Inside, the cabin is just as tasteful and luxury-focused as the exterior with undeniable Euro-chic vibes. Aiding this is the addition of Nappa leather trim, a powered driver’s seat with memory and heated cushioning for both the driver and front passenger.

The test vehicle does benefit from some box-ticking, which comes at a cost. Options include a $2000 panoramic glass sunroof, a $600 powered tailgate and the $900 metallic paint.

While not fitted to the car tested, you can take it a step further with the $2900 Black Style package. It’s a comprehensive addition, affording items such as black 19-inch alloys, Beats audio, gloss and faux carbon-fibre accents and electronically adjustable dampers.

The T-Roc is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty that includes a year of roadside assistance with the option of three- and five-year ‘Care’ plans. The former is fixed at $1700 and the latter at $2850 (with the first service free). Both represent worthwhile savings over normal scheduled serving prices.

The 2024 Volkswagen T-Roc 140TSI R-Line comes with just about every passive and active safety feature you’d expect from a modern small SUV.

It offers six airbags, forward and reverse autonomous emergency braking, radar cruise control with stop/start traffic assist, pedestrian and cyclist avoidance, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver-attention detection, front and rear parking sensors and self parking.

Two features left wanting are road-sign detection and front cross-traffic alert.

Due to changes with ANCAP safety-rating structures, the T-Roc is now unrated given it was last tested more than seven years ago. The five-star rating it initially achieved ended in December 2023.

The 2024 Volkswagen T-Roc 140TSI R-Line isn’t short on tech.

The R-Line scores the bigger 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system as well as an 8.0-inch infotainment screen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – with physical volume and seek controls.

The displays are ergonomically sound, too, with the added benefit of being customisable to focus on the information you want displayed.

Up front there are two USB-C ports with two in the rear. And hallelujah, there are adjustable air vents built into the lidded centre console to provide climate-controlled ventilation for back-seat passengers.

All the T-Roc’s side windows have one-touch operation and can be opened or closed remotely from outside – a nifty feature that’s become a Volkswagen staple.

Despite sharing an R in their name and the celebrated EA888 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine under the bonnet, the 2024 Volkswagen T-Roc 140TSI R-Line isn’t the full-fat performance variant.

However, the R-Line is far from underdone. It has 140kW and 320N, figures that were commonplace for the Golf GTI not too long ago. It will reach 100km/h in a respectable 7.2 seconds, which is less than a second slower than the aforementioned hot hatch. To say it’s strong enough for enthusiastic driving is an understatement.

The grunt is channelled to all four wheels via a high-torque, wet-clutch version of Volkswagen’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG) with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts for extra engagement.

Despite its perky driveline, the 2024 Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line is not too thirsty at the fuel pump.

In fact, at a recorded 7.5L/100km over an extended test period, our T-Roc virtually matched Volkswagen’s quoted figure of 7.3L/100km.

It’s worth mentioning that the R-Line only drinks 95 RON petrol and there isn’t a hybrid version on offer like some rivals. Additionally, Mazda quotes slightly better consumption figures for its 2.5-litre atmo CX-30, returning 6.8L/100km.

Refraining from the urge to wax lyrical, the 2024 Volkswagen T-Roc 140TSI R-Line provides elevated levels of dynamic competence with a genuine fun factor.

The R-Line gains MacPherson strut, independent multi-link rear suspension (front-drive versions make do with a simpler torsion-beam rear end) ups the handling ante, resulting in tangible assurance and predictability within the Golf-derived chassis.

While the fixed-rate dampers offer a supple ride quality and enough breadth of ability, the optional adjustable shocks included in the Black Style package would further aid compliance. The quick steering also has a heavier weight, increasing connection through the tiller.

Utilising the tenacious grip from the 4MOTION system is made more enticing by the fact peak torque is produced from just 1450rpm – it certainly shifts along in a spritely fashion. The AWD traction also neutralises torque steer and there’s ample purchase on varying surfaces.

Speaking of surfaces, while the T-Roc is classified as an SUV, most wont venture too far off tarmac. If you do, there’s only 155mm of ground clearance to play with.

There’s a noticeable upmarket ambience within the 2024 Volkswagen T-Roc 140TSI R-Line, one that meets its price point. The aesthetic is tasteful and the level of fit and finish is high.

In terms of space, the T-Roc’s cabin does a pretty good job of accommodating passengers. Up front there are no complaints regarding head, shoulder or legroom. Comfort levels in the back, namely legroom, largely depend on the generosity of those seated ahead. It’s adequate rather than decidedly spacious.

Although the R-Line’s heated, sports front seats are sculpted for comfort and lateral support, only the driver has the benefit of power adjustment and memory settings. At this level it’s common among T-Roc competitors for both the driver and front passenger seat to be electronically operated.

The T-Roc R-line’s boot is handy and clever with a removable second-level floor. The quoted capacity is 392 litres, which expands to 1237 litres with the rear seats folded. And that’s about as good as you’ll find in the small SUV class, bested only by the Nissan Qashqai’s 418/1513 litres.

The 2024 Volkswagen T-Roc 140 TSI R-Line should be on the shopping list for those looking to buy a luxe-feeling small SUV.

Moreover, the R-Line grade offers such meaningful benefits to the spec level and mechanical gubbins that it makes it a worthwhile step up from the lower grades depending on your budget.

The sales figures don’t lie. It seems unlikely that the T-Roc’s lofty position among the Volkswagen ranks will come under attack from within any time soon. And for good reason.

2024 Volkswagen T-Roc 140TSI R-Line at a glance:
Price: $47,990 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 140kW/320Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 7.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 167g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Not rated

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