Volkswagen T-ROC SUV revealed as VW's challenge to the Nissan Qashqai

The new Volkswagen T-ROC is revealed ahead of an on sale in the UK in October

The Volkswagen T-ROC SUV has been revealed as VW deliver a new SUV aimed at the sector-leading Nissan Qashqai. On sale later in 2017.

After much teasing, the Volkswagen T-ROC SUV arrives as VW fire a challenge at the heart of the sector, and in particular the Nissan Qashqai.

The Golf-based T-ROC is expected to start at under £20k, and as such will also go up against rivals like MINI’s latest Countryman, and be available with a range of engines including VW’s 1.0 litre turbo petrol, the new 145bhp 1.5 litre TSI and a trio of diesels – the 1.6 litre and two versions of the 2.0 litre TDI with 148bhp or 197bhp.

Entry-level models will come with front-wheel drive and a manual gearbox, but as you move up the range there will be 4WD 4MOTION and DSG gearbox options too.

The new Volkswagen T-ROC gets an almost funky Interior

What is perhaps most appealing about the T-ROC is that it moves VWs SUVs in a new design direction with its coupe-like roofline and sloping rear window, although the front end is still familiar VW SUV with wide grille and slim headlights.

Inside will be familiar to anyone who’s been in a new Golf, and you can add interesting options like VW’s Active Info Display and a good-looking 8″ touchscreen infotainment with goodies like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

But the T-ROC also offers more personalisation too – a key market like – with contrasting colour trims lifting the cabin to (almost) funky levels, and there’s good standard safety stuff too like Front Assist, Lane Keep and Emergency Braking.

Order books for the new Volkswagen T-TOC open in the UK in October.