The T-Roc may be among the most significant of many new Volkswagen models, even if it won’t be sold in the United States in the foreseeable future. It’s a new crossover that is roughly the same size as the Golf and is based on the same MQB architecture. For now, at least, the Golf will remain the mainstay of the brand’s lineup, but those within the company who are concerned with sales-growth rates are far more interested in the crossover-SUV segment nearly everywhere on the globe.
Pros Golf-like driving dynamics, decent packaging, adventurous design (for VW).
Cons Only average interior quality, firm ride, we likely won’t get it.
The T-Roc is a small family car that blends the high driving position and big boot of an SUV with the economical engines from a conventional small car. It is quite expensive, however…
Pros More comfortable than alternatives Well equipped as standard Decent range of engines
Cons Cheap-feeling interior plastics Alternatives are cheaper Back seats could be more spacious
The Volkswagen T-Roc looks good, drives well and offers plenty of space, but it's pricey and some rivals have a nicer interior.
Pros Easy to personalise Good to drive Stylish
Cons Expensive Interior quality issues Rivals offer better value
The all-new 2017 Kia Niro is classified as a compact hybrid crossover SUV, though it really functions more like a hatchback. Your view of the road is marginally higher because of the Niro's elevated stance, but Kia doesn't offer the Niro with all-wheel drive, so don't expect to be a snow-busting trailblazer in bad weather. The Niro's core appeal comes from its traditional exterior design (no "hybrid!" shouting here) as well as a new powertrain that is capable of returning up to an EPA-estimated 50 mpg in combined city/highway driving.
Pros: Impressive fuel economy from the base trim model Six-speed transmission shifts like a conventional car's One of the more affordable hybrids in the segment Batteries are hidden under the rear seat and don't affect cargo space
Cons: All-wheel drive isn't offered despite the crossover styling Smaller cargo space compared to some rival models The Niro's Touring trim sacrifices some fuel efficiency
By calling it a crossover, the Korean brand also wants to get in the minds of the consumer wanting more utility. We all know crossover sales are booming, and part of their likeability is their higher ride height and boxy, useable interior space. But after spending a full day driving the Niro in Texas Hill Country, the question stuck in my head was whether it is really a crossover. The Niro is just 3.3 inches taller and has the same ground clearance as the Hyundai Ioniq, which it shares its platform with. And in terms of passenger volume, the Niro has only a small advantage, encasing 97.1 cubic feet versus the Ioniq’s 96.2 cubic feet. Although its two-box design might help its case for being a crossover, I suspect most will just see it as a lifted hatchback.
You shouldn’t have any nasty surprises, either. Kia was rated as above average in our most recent reliability survey and the Niro also gets a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty – a class-leading feature.
Pros: Low CO2 emissions Spacious interior Long warranty
Cons: More conventional rivals are cheaper Not much fun to drive Firm low speed ride
