Built on the same platform as the forthcoming Audi Q1, the T-ROC is smaller than the Tiguan, but larger than the Taigun SUV concept, which is in the development phase.

The T-ROC concept measures 4,179mm long and 1,831mm wide, making it around 200mm shorter than a Tiguan, and around 300mm longer than the Taigun concept.  At 1,501mm tall it sits around 200mm lower than a Tiguan.  

The uses the same “T” prefix as current and future Volkswagen SUVs such as the Taigun, Tiguan and Touareg, with “ROC” intended to mean that the all-wheel-drive car is as at home on “rocky” trails as on tarmac.

As well as featuring all-wheel drive, the two-door, four-seat model also uses convertible style, with the middle section of the roof – made from a carbon composite – able to be removed in two halves, each of which can then be stored in the boot. 

The T-ROC is based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform seen in the latest Golf, and uses a lightweight design that leads to a weight of just 1,420 kg. It also uses relatively short overhangs and a large track relative to its body width to beef up its appearance along with 19-inch alloys.

Styling is meant to advance the brand’s “SUV DNA” and includes a 3D radiator grille with large honeycomb-shaped opening, LED headlights, daytime running lights and indicators and prominent round headlamp modules which hark back to the Karmann Ghia Type 34. 

The T-ROC uses the latest version of VW’s 181bhp turbodiesel engine with 280lb.ft of torque from 1,750rpm) married up to a newly developed seven-speed DSG gearbox with 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system with three driving modes – “Street”, “Offroad” and “Snow”. Top speed is 130mph with a zero to 62mph time of 6.9 seconds. The T-ROC is predicted to have a combined fuel consumption of 4.9l/100km with CO2 emissions of 129g/km.

Other highlights include front and rear integrated cameras that project images when driving off-road into the cabin via a tablet mounted in the centre console, enabling the driver to spot obstacles and there’s a 12.3-inch colour display tablet locked into the dashboard but extending out.