Volkswagen T-Roc R Grid Edition gets the chequered flag

The Volkswagen T-Roc R Grid Edition has been discontinued, having fulfilled its duty to keep VW T-Roc R sales bubbling along through the depths of the semi-conductor shortage.

Volkswagen Australia today confirmed the closure of order books for the lower-spec version of the hot R version of its popular small SUV – its best-selling model so far this year – but said there were still a handful of unassigned vehicles scattered around the national dealer network.

Released as an Australia-only special in August last year, the VW T-Roc R Grid Edition offers all the go-faster bits and capabilities of the full-fat T-Roc R for over $7000 less ($54,300 plus on-road costs).

That’s because some key tech features were removed from the standard equipment list, including IQ.LIGHT Matrix LED headlights, heated Nappa leather seats, chrome exterior trim accents, electric tailgate, side assist and rear cross traffic alert.

Apart from ensuring T-Roc R sales continued to tick over, the Grid Edition made the small performance SUV more accessible to budget-conscious customers – and a genuine alternative to the Hyundai Kona N Premium, which itself was axed earlier this week.

Those in the market for a compact performance SUV without the budget for a full-fat T-Roc R ($61,990) may now turn to the Cupra Formentor line-up – specifically the penultimate VZ variant that’s priced around the same as the Grid Edition at $56,990 but forgoes all-wheel drive and reduces its outputs by 41kW/30Nm.

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