Volkswagen has also announced its purported final new petrol-powered model, which it says it will launch under the bonnet, with the German automotive giant unveiling the all-new second generation T-Roc SUV with new styling, a redesigned interior and the introduction of a hybrid engine, although company executives now hint that the cut to combustion may depend on market conditions as the world-wide reduction in EV demand and the removal of green targets.
T-Roc is the swansong of the combustion engine
According to This is Money, German automobile powerhouse Volkswagen has just unveiled what it claims to be its final new model to be powered by a petrol engine under the bonnet. Bosses in 2023 said it will also be the swansong combustion model in the UK and Europe before the company goes all-electric with its ambitions, but this may not be the case anymore.
The Wolfsburg brand has unveiled the all-new second-generation T-Roc SUV with fresh appearances, a redesigned interior, and the introduction of a hybrid drive system, which will be rolled out to the rest of the range in the near future. With over two million units sold in the world since its launch in 2017, the T-Roc is now the second most popular model in the highly established line-up at VW.
Future combustion decisions may be affected by the market conditions
The suggestion of a possible U-turn is coming following a Europe-wide decline in EV demand, and a softening of the green targets – financial drivers that have already forced several brands to extend their electric-only timelines. When asked about that decision by Autocar, Thomas Schaefer, the CEO of VW cars, refused to comment on the same.
The new generation is characterized by increased degrees of dimensions and technology
The T-Roc is bigger than its predecessor, 12cm on the nose with an extra 30 litres of boot space, making it have a total capacity of 475 litres. The engineers of Volkswagen have increased its size to make it closer to the size of its main competitors, i.e., the Toyota C-HR.
The only thing that has not been changed is the coupe-like design that, by SUV standards, appears nearly rakish, with a contrasting black roof option. The greatest update is at the front, where the family motor receives the current brand design language of VW, including a wraparound light bar to maintain consistency with other models that have been introduced in the recent past.
Household motors are a sign of possible end times
Introductory models will be powered by known petrol engines – perhaps the final time this phrase is ever typed concerning a passenger car of the Volkswagen brand – and have no manual transmission. It will arrive at the showroom in 2025 with the option of a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol mild hybrid with the selection of outputs of 114bhp or 148bhp.
Interior receives comprehensive technology and control updates
Outside of the new drivetrain, the T-Roc is also getting an updated cabin and the most recent VW technology, such as the latest 10-inch digital instrument cluster, a greater 12.9-inch dashboard-integrated infotainment touchscreen, and a head-up display. Also, as part of the facelifted Golf, executives have commissioned the addition of more button controls and the elimination of haptic switches.
T-Roc can be viewed as a potential milestone that Volkswagen could reach due to the final combustion engine launch, though the market uncertainties and the lack of demand issues in the EVs may prompt changes in the choices, and the improved SUV with superior dimensions, more advanced technology, and hybrid engines could help the brand to find the balance between the traditional and new type of mobility and keep its promise of offering practical family transportation.