By Xolile Hopa 

Volkswagen has opened pre-orders for the new T-Roc, which is due to go on sale in South Africa in early September 2026.

This is the second generation of the T-Roc. It sits between the Taigo and Tiguan in Volkswagen’s SUV range, alongside models such as the T-Cross, Tayron and Touareg.

The new model has a wider, more angular appearance than before, with a silver line running along the side of the body from the front pillar towards the rear. LED headlights and rear lights are fitted as standard, while some versions will also get Volkswagen’s IQ.Light Matrix LED headlights.

Inside, the T-Roc gets a redesigned dashboard with soft-touch materials and a driver-focused layout. Every model comes with a 10.3-inch infotainment screen, Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, wireless App-Connect and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles.

The compact SUV seats five people and has a 475-litre luggage compartment, making it suitable for everyday use as well as longer trips.

All versions of the new T-Roc will be powered by a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine producing 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.

Park Assist and a rear-view camera are standard. Higher-spec versions can also be fitted with Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive package, which adds features such as Front Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance, traffic-jam assist and Emergency Assist.

Volkswagen has not yet announced local pricing. Details are expected closer to the vehicle’s September launch.