Could The Volkswagen T-Roc Get The GTE Plug-in Hybrid Treatment?

Volkswagen’s GTE family of plug-in hybrid versions already encompasses the new-gen Golf and Passat, and more are in the pipeline such as the Tiguan, but could the lineup grow to include the T-Roc as well?

The company’s project manager for Electrified Drivetrains, Kai Phillipp, was asked this very question by AutoExpress, to which he left the door open saying that, “our MQB technology gives us the possibility to do so.”

Review: Is The Volkswagen T-Roc As Good As They Say?

In plain English, this means that they have already thought of launching a hot plug-in hybrid version of the compact SUV, and they have the resources to do so. However, they’re probably still weighing it in from a financial standpoint, especially in these hard times.

Like the PHEV variants of the new-gen Golf and upcoming Tiguan, the T-Roc GTE could use the same powertrain that combines a 1.4-liter four-banger with an electric motor. The system kicks out a combined 245 PS (242 HP / 180 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque, channeling it to the wheels through a six-speed DSG automatic transmission. The compact hatchback has a 13 kWh battery that lets it drive for around 60 km (37 miles) using electricity, at speeds of up to 130 km/h (81 mph).

The T-Roc family is already pretty versatile, as it’s offered not only with petrol and diesel engines, but two body styles as well: regular SUV and Cabriolet. The range is topped by the hot T-Roc R, which has a 300 PS (296 HP / 221 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) 2.0-liter turbocharged engine from the Golf R Mk7. The AWD sporty model tops out at 250 km/h (155 mph) and sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.9 seconds.

VW T-Roc R pictured