New 2025 VW T-Roc Heads to the Alps To Test Its Brakes, It's a Sensor Fest

Surrounded by a beautiful landscape, the 2025 Volkswagen T-Roc took to mountain roads to test its brakes, per the sticker applied to the rear end. The prototype had sensors mounted on the wheels and roof, gathering critical data for the development team that will be used to make some adjustments to various components.

The car was not willing to reveal its face yet, and while it may look like a mix of its predecessor and other modern-day Volkswagen-branded products, make no mistake that a new grille hides beneath that deceiving camouflage. The headlamps are teardrop-shaped and elongated, and with its new air intake and side vents, the new bumper looks more mature.

We can also see that the new hood ends further back on the upcoming T-Roc and that the rear bumper is somewhat cleaner. The model has a more upright tailgate that likely opens into an improved cargo area behind the seats. The profile looks similar, save for the rear windscreen, which is now more angled. The front and rear overhangs are almost the same.

However, there seems to be a slight improvement in the wheelbase length, as the new T-Roc likely has a little more space between the axles. This will allow VW to make the upcoming T-Cross subcompact crossover slightly more spacious. We still haven't seen the interior, but the upcoming T-Roc is expected to have a new infotainment system that might have a tablet-like design, as well as new digital gauges, a different dashboard panel, reshaped seats, door cards, etc.

Beneath the skin may lie the MQB Evo platform of the latest VW Golf, Skoda Octavia, and Audi A3. If that's the case, then the 2025 T-Roc ditched its old construction shared with the previous-gen Golf and other models made by the VW Group. Power-wise, it might launch with a few mild hybrids and at least two plug-in hybrid assemblies. It's still too early to speak about a possible new T-Roc R, replacing its 296 hp (300 ps/221 kW) 2.0L turbo-four predecessor.

VW has decided to ditch the T-Roc Cabriolet for the next generation, and that's great news for those who don't favor open-top crossovers. This model fell victim to itself, as it failed to sell in enough numbers to justify a new generation. The automaker might unveil the new T-Roc next year, and just like the outgoing one, it won't launch in the United States, where Volkswagen has the slightly bigger Taos to cater to the needs of compact crossover shoppers.