All versions will come with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
More notable will be the 2026 introduction of a new full hybrid (HEV) powertrain – a first for Volkswagen. This is understood to be similar to Toyota’s ‘self-charging’ system, with a petrol engine working in tandem with a small electric motor for reduced emissions and optimised fuel economy.
Precise details of this new system remain secret, but it will be offered initially with either 134bhp or 168bhp, and up to 226lb ft of torque.
The electric motor will be powered by a battery of unspecified capacity under the back seat, and while VW has not said how far it will go with the engine off, one engineer told Autocar it will be “more than a few metres”, suggesting the potential for short-distance, low-speed electric running.
The new T-Roc will be the only model based on the VW Group’s latest MEB Evo platform not to come with a plug-in hybrid option, but CEO Thomas Schäfer told Autocar that there is potential for the Golf eHybrid’s powertrain – which offers around 80 miles of electric-only range – to be added in, just as the T-Roc’s HEV system could eventually power other models.
He said: “For now, we’re lucky, because we have renewed all of our top combustion-engined vehicles: Golf, Passat, Tiguan, Tayron and now T-Roc. The first four are offered with PHEVs or mild hybrids and now this one with HEV. The platform can do it all. We can introduce it as we like.”
