Latest model unveils with more room, more tech and promise of better efficiency.

TAKING styling cues from the ID range of electric cars is an intentional in respect to the new Volkswagen T-Roc, unveiled internationally overnight.

Fully electric isn’t the future for this car, but electrified is - every version of the new range will have a hybrid drivetrain.

At launch, that means a turbocharged 1.5-litre 'eTSI' unit with 48-volt, mild-hybrid assistance; paired to a seven speed DSG, front-drive and in 86kW and 112kW states of tune.

VW has also confirmed two all-new, full-hybrid systems will be introduced in time, along with a mild-hybrid version of the 2.0 TSI petrol engine paired with 4Motion all-wheel drive.

Revealed in full ahead of its world debut at the Munich motor show opening on September 9, the car also brings design association to the VW Tayron that will be on sale in NZ soon, plus the Tiguan that we’ve had since last year.

It also evidences as an evolution of the old car, with the predecessor’s 'hockey stick' roof line and stylised rear wings continuing.

However, some styling influences that came out in the ID era are also obvious - check out the totally new lighting front and rear. Depending on specification, there are full-width LED light strips front and rear, high-tech headlights and illuminated VW logos. This strikes a bold touch.

Though it is still VW’s most compact sports utility, this T-Roc is larger than before and packed with new features.

Complementing the more expressive design language are very bold colours: The 'Canary Yellow' hue shown here is available.

The new T-Roc is a full 122mm longer than before, with 28mm of that in the wheelbase. It's 9mm wider and taller than its predecessor, too.

The increase in dimensions has allowed for more interior space and a larger boot. The latter is up 20 litres now, to 465 litres. It's also now possible to fit 20-inch alloy wheels for the first time.

These images impress how the T-Roc's cabin is more like the Tiguan's, featuring distinctive ambient lighting and the 'driving experience control' between the front seats for mode selection and volume adjustment.

A new fabric-covered dashboard and a leather-like material through which extra lighting shines to give the interior a unique appearance are a point of pride.

In front of the driver is a new 10-inch screen for the digital instruments, with two core selectable layouts, plus a new feature that allows the driver to minimise information shown by holding down the 'View' button on the steering wheel. A head-up display is also available for the first time.

The steering wheel spokes feature physical buttons, while the stalks behind use the same operating principle as those found in Tayron and Tiguan. All versions have a column-mounted drive selector to free up space in the centre console for storage.

Depending on model, the touchscreen in the middle of the car is either 10.4 inches across the diagonal or 12.9 inches. Both run Volkswagen's latest 'MIB4' infotainment software with plenty of usability upgrades. There's also the 'IDA' voice assistant, with ChatGPT integration in Europe.

Because it adopts the'MQB evo' architecture, also used by Tayron and Tiguan, T-Roc gets more advanced driver assistance technology than it had previously. Oncoming vehicle braking when turning and swerve support; driver attention monitor and driver alert system, auto hold function for the electronic parking brake, autonomous emergency braking front assist with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring, a stronger lane assist and as lane change system with rear traffic alert and exit warning system, plus dynamic road sign display include.

The latest park assist also packages. This can store manoeuvres for future use, or allow the T-Roc to be parked - or taken out of a parking space - remotely via the owner's smartphone.

VW NZ has yet to state its intent for T-Roc.