Why the New 328-HP VW T-Roc R is Europe’s Hottest Forbidden Fruit

The 328-HP VW T-Roc R: The Golf R Crossover America Still Can’t Have!

Volkswagen has just confirmed its new 328-horsepower VW T-Roc R, and it’s the perfect “hot crossover” for enthusiasts. It’s essentially a lifted Golf R, packing the same monstrous power and all-wheel drive but in a practical SUV body. And, just like the first generation, it’s yet another incredible performance car that Volkswagen has decided America can’t have. So, what exactly is this forbidden fruit we’re missing out on?

The Golf R, But Taller

The formula is simple but brilliant: take all the high-performance hardware from the legendary Golf R and put it in a body that sits about an inch and a half higher. The first-gen T-Roc R, unveiled in 2019, did this with a potent 296 hp from the familiar EA888 2.0-liter turbo engine.

It was a massive success in Europe, but VW North America opted to sell us the more pedestrian Taos instead. Now, with the all-new T-Roc introduced earlier this year, a second generation of the “R” model was inevitable, and Volkswagen UK has already previewed it.

What (European) Customers Can Expect

This isn’t just a minor refresh; it’s a major leap in performance that brings the T-Roc R into the modern era.

A Serious 328-HP Power Bump

The new-generation VW T-Roc R gets a significant boost to 328 horsepower, up from the previous 296 hp. While torque reportedly remains the same at 295 lb-ft, this new power figure aligns it perfectly with the latest Golf R. This power is routed through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and VW’s latest 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.

Mild-Hybrid Tech (For the Right Reasons)

The new model also receives mild-hybrid electrification, but don’t expect a hybrid performance boost. This 48-volt system is purely for compliance, helping the high-strung engine meet the incoming and very strict Euro 7 emissions regulations.

A Sharpened Chassis

To manage the new power, the VW T-Roc R will get a wider set of wheels and tires. Autocar also reports that it could get new, advanced suspension components from the Golf GTI Edition 50, which means its handling should be just as sharp and engaging as its hatchback sibling.

Expert Analysis: Why Can’t America Have One?

This is the painful part. The VW T-Roc R is a “forbidden fruit” for the U.S. market, and it will almost certainly stay that way.

This is a pure business decision. Volkswagen North America is firmly committed to its current US-market SUV lineup: the Taos (which is the T-Roc’s U.S. equivalent) and the larger Tiguan. The Taos is built for volume and efficiency, and there is likely no business case to import and certify a low-volume, high-performance “R” version of a vehicle we don’t even get.

There is, however, a small glimmer of hope. The rumor mill has long suggested a Tiguan R is in development. A high-performance version of the larger, more popular Tiguan would have a much better chance of making it to American showrooms to compete with other sporty compact SUVs.

Conclusion

The new 328-hp VW T-Roc R is a masterful piece of performance engineering—a “hot hatch” on stilts that offers the perfect blend of speed, style, and practicality. Unfortunately, it’s also a painful reminder of the incredible performance cars we’ll never get to drive.

For now, we’ll have to look on from afar and keep our fingers crossed that the rumored Tiguan R eventually makes its way across the pond.

What do you think? Should VW bring the T-Roc R to the States? Share your thoughts below!

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