Volkswagen T-Roc R wait times slashed as 1800 cars head to Australia in 2023

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Volkswagen Australia has confirmed that it has secured production of 1800 T-Roc R small SUVs, to better meet intense demand from the local market. 

Where customers were previously waiting up to six months for T-Roc R deliveries, this new allocation means that cars will now be readily available from as early as February, 

Shortening wait times for the high performance SUV was the mission behind the negotiations, according to Michal Szaniecki, who is the Director of Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles at Volkswagen Australia. 

Of the 1800 T-Roc Rs destined for our shores, Mr Szaniecki also confirmed that 300 will be the T-Roc R Grid Edition, an exclusive offering for the Australian market that offers a more limited specification requiring fewer in-demand components and offers a $6000 saving over the regular R grade. 

“We can accept supply shortages of popular models or we can try to effect solutions,” Mr Szaniecki said. “Ours is a primary R market so in addition to securing extra T-Roc R production, we’ll offer a unique to Australia T-Roc R Grid Edition.

“The result is more than 1800 examples of the T-Roc R will soon be ready for our customers, who are making the T-Roc one of Volkswagen’s defining vehicles of the 2020s and the T-Roc R comfortably our top-selling ‘R’ model.”

The 1800 vehicles in question are scheduled to complete production by October at the latest, meaning all are expected to arrive within 2023. 

Sitting in the high performance small SUV space, the T-Roc R commands quite a niche, but has rivals in the form of the Cupra Ateca, Audi SQ2, and the Hyundai Kona N. 

Is T-Roc R’s optional equipment still available for this allocation? 

According to Daniel DeGasperi, Product and PR Communications Manager at Volkswagen Australia, there is a “decent spread of stock” of these options across the vehicles that are landing locally. 

This includes the $2000 sunroof on both variants, as well as the $1200 black style package, $800 Beats audio system, and $250 interior inlays on the standard T-Roc R. 

VW working on more stock for other R models

DeGasperi also mentioned that Volkswagen Australia is also working to secure more volume for R customers, specifically with the Tiguan R right now. 

Those looking for a Golf R hatch or wagon will still be facing lengthy delays, as supply continues to be restricted. 

What is the T-Roc R Grid Edition? 

Announced in the second half of 2022, the Volkswagen T-Roc R Grid Edition is a cheaper offering than the standard SUV, and is more of a performance-focused vehicle. 

Things are no different under the bonnet of the T-Roc R Grid Edition, where it uses the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine making 221/400Nm. This is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and power is sent to all four wheels. 

On the inside, this Grid Edition drops Nappa leather upholstery for R-branded cloth and microfleece seats. 

The biggest difference between the two T-Roc R variants is the price, where the standard SUV starts at $60,300 before on-road costs, the Grid Edition is $6000 cheaper at $54,300 before on-road costs. 

Volkswagen T-Roc R 2023: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• T-Roc RGrid Edition: $54,300
• T-Roc R: $60,300