Friday 28th February 2014

VW T-ROC concept

Thought VW had spun as much as possible off the Golf platform? Think again!

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Motor shows wouldn't be motor shows without concept cars and VW's effort for Geneva ticks all the boxes of on-trend crossover ability, weight-saving carbon components and allusions to a 'lifestyle' involving lots of leisure time and poncing about on beaches. Dream on, etc...

Press conference will mention 'sporty', 'lifestyle', etc...

Called the T-ROC, VW somewhat tortuously explains that "the ... name is derived from 'T' as a reference to the names of current and future Volkswagen SUVs such as the Taigun, Tiguan and Touareg, and 'ROC' meaning the all-wheel-drive car is as at home on 'rocky' trails as on tarmac." Snappier, if a little less realistic in ambition, than T-SCHOOLRUN, T-PARENTANDCHILDPARKING, T-SPEEDBUMP or T-GOODFORAWFULPOTHOLEDROADS at least. And proving why we don't work in marketing.

Based on the ubiquitous MQB platform, the T-ROC ticks the lifestyle boxes with its targa style roof (targa in the old sense of removable roof panels rather than the more elaborate 911 Targa also at Geneva) and Street, Offroad and Snow modes selectable via the shifter for the seven-speed DSG gearbox. Power comes from the Golf GTD's 2.0-litre diesel with 184hp.

Hang on, this is looking familiar already

Styling references include, apparently, a nod to the Karmann Ghia Type 34 in the headlights but the T-ROC's real role is to preview forthcoming tech and design. Look inside and there's a 12.3-inch TFT screen in front of the driver that, yes, is a derivation of that coming in the new TT and also seen in the Lamborghini Huracan. And, by the looks of it, everything in between within the VW group.

Feeding into a tablet display in the centre console integrated cameras apparently display images while driving off-road to let you "see potholes or large stones that could damage the car." Hang on, isn't it meant to be as at home on rocky trails as is on tarmac? T-ROC (just not big, nasty ones) would seem to be the more honest description then. Assuming it gets built.

[GTEYE]

Looks like it was designed by Hot Wheels. Or by a child.

[trashbat]

Christ. It's like Auto Express meets Marvel comics on LSD. Only thing missing is The Hulk munching on a random numberplate off a Hyundai.

[goron59]

trashbat said:

Christ. It's like Auto Express meets Marvel comics on LSD. Only thing missing is The Hulk munching on a random numberplate off a Hyundai.

And that's just the good points!

Actually I like it. Kind of fun. You could almost forget it's a VW.

[ShaunTheSheep]

Skoda Joyster meets BMW X6. If they stuck a diseasal lump in it, it'd be complete!

[vtecyo]

What would one do with it?

[ajprice]

Somewhere in Wolfsburg, an Evoque and a Juke made babies. One of those babies escaped and fled to Geneva, this is a photofit impression.

It's the only explanation

[davea18h]

The Scirroco concept was called the IROC. Is it a pumped up Scirroco crossover thingamy? The next TT is going that way by the looks of the shooting brake concept of it.

[davea18h]

A whole family of ROC's. When they are all grouped together will they then become a Rockery? Just a thought!

[soad]

vtecyo said:

What would one do with it?

Drive around town.

[k-ink]

Marketing Gimps said:

Styling references include, apparently, a nod to the Karmann Ghia Type 34 in the headlights

fk off. What bks.

[AndyT77]

Squashed Evoque with comedy wheels, next!