Confident, Volkswagen Launches New T-Roc SUV In South Korea

Volkswagen Korea Executive Director Stefan Krapp at the launch of the T-Roc in Daechi-dong, Seoul. (Source: Volkswagen Korea via Koreatimes)

JAKARTA - German automaker Volkswagen, launched a new variant of the T-Roc subcompact crossover SUV in Daechi-dong, Seoul, Friday, January 29 local time. Although the market for this segment is very tight in the State of Gingseng, VW is quite confident.

"By 2021, our focus is now once again on our SUV lineup, to further push the vision of democratizing the imported car market into reality," said Volkswagen Korea Executive Director Stefan Krapp, reported on Koreatimes.

"Proven product value, performance and distinctive design, I firmly believe that T-Roc is a perfect fit for the Korean market, being able to meet high expectations, especially from young Korean customers," he added.

Not without reason, the new T-Roc was launched in South Korea. Because, this car is expected to restore VW's glory with Golf which is very popular in South Korea. Golf itself stopped selling in Korea following the 2016 emissions scandal.

Volkswagen T-Roc interior. (Source: Volkswagen Korea via Koreatimes)

Powerful performance

Built on the Volkswagen MQB Group platform, the T-Roc features a spacious cabin and ample leg and head room in the second row. It has lighter weight and more space, along with the transverse placement of the front engine.

Competing in the 'compact' subcompact crossover class, T-Roc's performance is the mainstay of T-Roc to captivate consumers. Machines are of course a concern.

T-Roc combines a 2.0L turbocharged direct injection engine that was successfully used by its bigger brother, the VW Tiguan, with a 7-speed DSG transmission capable of producing a maximum power of 150hp and 34.7 kilograms of torque.

When the engine reaches thrust in the range of 1,700 rpm to 3,000 rpm, the T-Roc achieves maximum acceleration with a smooth engine transmission. Although, the speed is certainly not like a sports car or high-performance SUV.

Interestingly, the T-Roc price in South Korea is cheaper than in Germany. In South Korea, T-Roc marketed from 35.99 million won or 32,242 US dollars to 40.33 million won or 36,131 US dollars. In Germany, the difference will be between 13 million won and 15 million won.