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Let us start with the T-Roc as that is arguably one of the most desirable and most talked about cars that Volkswagen has launched in a long time. Despite being imported, it has been priced at just under Rs 20 lakh which is good value but a closer look at the T-Roc reveals it is something different from what we are used to seeing. The T-Roc is smaller than the current SUVs at this price point but it is wider and has its own unique look. It is a crossover of sorts and the coupe like SUV design attracts a lot of attention- especially the rear and side view. This is not an usual Creta or Seltos type of SUV as you will agree. It sits lower to the ground but the wide stance, big wheels and the sloping rear make it look attractive and give a premium SUV like vibe. Also you cannot miss the loud colours which the T-Roc comes in and the paint finish is again quite impressive! In other words it looks and feels expensive from outside despite it being smaller than other SUVs at this price point.
Inside the T-Roc has a cabin that beats any other SUV at this price or even at double. The way the heavy doors close to the quality of the overall materials- it is top class. The seats are leather and are very comfortable at the front while the lay-out is very logical and easy to use. You get a slick touch-screen and all digital dials which function like much more expensive cars. You can change the dial set-up just like on more expensive German luxury cars for eg. However the rear seat is where you sense the compactness of the T-Roc as the space here is less with less legroom and headroom- especially looking at the price! That said the bottle holders are big and there are enough storage places. In terms of features you get a massive panoramic sunroof, digital dials, touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, full LED headlamps/tail-lamps, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring and more. However an electric auto seat adjustment is missed. But in terms of safety you do get some cool hi-tech safety equipment like lane-keep assist and more.
To drive the T-Roc is petrol only and gets a 1.5l turbo unit with 150 bhp while only a 7-speed DSG is available. Now the engine is superb and so is the gearbox as you do not need a manual with an automatic so responsive. It feels quick and agile while giving a fast hatchback like experience. Again similarly the way it handles is much like a sportier sedan or hatchback while the overall driving experience is similar to more expensive German luxury cars. However it is not the typical SUV like experience and nor does it do any off-roading. Instead the T-Roc is about a premium crossover that also handles bad roads well with decent ground clearance. In the end the T-Roc is not for everyone as it is a premium SUV for those who want something different from a Creta or Seltos. It lacks space and is expensive but delivers a proper luxury experience for a good price especially the looks, quality or the engine.
The other new SUV is the three-row Tiguan Allspace. It promises a fun to drive experience yet still having three row seating along with a luxurious cabin. Does it live upto to that claim? Well the Allspace despite being a long SUV, does not have the presence of one, looking more like an estate or a stretched Tiguan but the LED headlamps do add in some style. It is a fairly big car but hides its bulk well and is the perfect SUV for those who do not want to shout nor do they want the big SUV look. In other words it is a Volkswagen and the understated German design is a part of its personality. That said Volkswagen offers it in fairly sportier colours to ramp up the excitement levels. Also a closer look reveals the various lines on the car and use of chrome rather tastefully.
The interior again is very well finished as you would expect at this price while the design is updated with the new touchscreen (which has a great display) along with the all digital instrument cluster. These were some of the features which were not present on the previous 5-seater Tiguan. The light interior colour adds roominess to the car while a customizable instrument cluster is very convenient. The Tiguan Allspace is also available with an all black interior paired with the sportier exterior colours but looking at this type of car, this interior looks better. In terms of equipment you get a panoramic sunroof, digital dials, 8inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, leather seats, three zone climate control, LED lamps, eight speaker audio system, powered driver seat with memory function, reverse camera and more.
The Tiguan was a fairly large 5-seater SUV but now with three rows the Allspace competes with other big SUVs with three row seating. In terms of that the Allspace does fairly well as the front seats are big and spacious while the second is the best seat in the Allspace with the space and room offered. The full length panoramic sunroof also further makes the cabin feel airy while fold out rear tables are handy along with other comforts. The third row on the other hand is for children or for short journeys only as the space on offer is limited. That said the boot is big enough with all rows up and there are many customisable options only for further practicality, if you want.
Back to the driving and here the Allspace gets a 2.0 TSI turbo petrol with 190 bhp and 320Nm. Behind the wheel you forget that this is an SUV as the engine is so responsive and the DSG gearbox so slick. The 2.0 petrol pushes this big SUV really well and it feels fast in a way no other SUV at this price does. It feels like a car basically but the Allspace has all wheel drive also which means the suspension handles our bad roads much better than what you expect it to. Yes it is not an off-roader but the car can handle some of the rough stuff rather surprisingly well. At Rs 33 lakh the Allspace like the T-Roc is not for the average SUV buyer. There is no diesel for one and it lacks the presence you want from an SUV. But look closer and the quality, space, engine, suspension - all make sense if you want a petrol self driven SUV that is also practical. It is an interesting and a better alternative to a Honda CR-V and any other soft-roader.
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Volkswagen T-Roc
What we like- design, quality, performance
What we do not- lacks space, expensive
Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
What we like- quality, space, engine, suspension
What we do not- price, no diesel, lacks SUV presence
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