Volkswagen’s new entry into the crowded small SUV market has been very well marketed with the slogan “born confident” and the use of a cocky little goat in the television advertising campaign.

This masterstroke has piqued the interest of the buying public. On account of the fact that Volkswagen hasn’t had an entrant in this market before, it was important that it made an impact straight away.

It cannot be denied the T-Roc is a good-looking little car, with all its little quirky styling touches including the very cool trapezoidal lights and a plethora of creases. These creases are becoming part of the styling on new Volkswagens.

The baby Volkswagen seems bigger than it is with its raised ride height and chunky styling.

On the road

On the inside, the T-Roc plays the cool card in spades with its sweeping dash, Active Info Display in place of the traditional dials and the very latest 8.5in infotainment system.

This infotainment system comes with satnav and mobile connectivity through Android auto and Google car play as standard. On the road, the T-Roc is a very enjoyable drive, if a little unispiring in the twisty stuff. This is standard across this section of the market and if anything the T-Roc is the class leader.

The test car had a 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine producing 150hp. This made the little Volkswagen properly swift in a straight line and an absolute joy on the motorway with lots of power to get up to speed and once there. It cruised very comfortably and with near silence in the cabin. This silence is one of the standout features of the T-Roc. On a long cross-country run on a damp Irish day in January, the little T-Roc proved to be a good companion with its class-leading silence and comfort.

The gutsy petrol engine made for an entertaining drive despite the occasionally errant handling. This was more to do with the pilot asking too much of the machine rather than any issue with the setup of the car.

Verdict

Having spent a week driving the T-Roc, it is very hard to find any serious negatives. It seems to tick all the boxes for a car in this class.

It is quirky, comfortable and practical. The only issue that I can see it having is that it will be sold at a slightly higher price point than its competitors, including its Volkswagen group stable mates the Seat Arona and Skoda Karoq.

This will probably not be the engine of choice for most consumers. Most will plump for the diesel or the smaller petrol unit that is available.

With Volkswagen’s marketing of the T-Roc hitting the spot, this car will be a huge seller for them and will most likely become that aspirational car in this class. If you are buying a car in this class and can stretch to the price tag, you have to buy a T-Roc.