VW is preparing to unveil the new generation of the popular T-Roc this summer, which is produced at Autoeuropa in Portugal, and will be the first model to feature a new “full-hybrid” engine that the German brand will later use in the Golf and Tiguan.
The new compact crossover from VW, based on the MQB Evo platform, will be the last to include a combustion engine, as the brand has announced it will shift to using electrified powertrains similar to those used by Toyota, capable of delivering power to the rear wheels through the thermal engine, electric motor, or a combination of both units.
The new compact crossover from VW, which will be based on the MQB Evo platform, features new elements already seen in the Tiguan, such as the headlights, which appear to have a more conical shape and are connected by a light bar LED.
It is true that VW has never used this powertrain in a production car, and its introduction comes less than a decade before the company is required to adopt a fully electric model in Europe; however, CEO Thomas Schäfer has already announced that it is “being tested now because some markets are migrating to hybrid electric vehicles, with the slowdown in electric car sales”.
“We needed to do this anyway, because South America needs a HEV transmission system, and the T-Roc is also manufactured in South America for South America and also in China,” said Thomas Schäfer to “Autocar.”
After introducing the new hybrid engine in the T-Roc, Schäfer acknowledged that VW will evaluate whether it makes sense to equip other models with the same technology, but he reminded that the brand “will have PHEV and HEV models.”
Following the presentation in August, it is already certain that the new generation of the T-Roc will be unveiled to the public at the Munich Motor Show, which will take place from September 9 to 14.
