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Motoring, SUV, Volkswagen

VW still a polished performer

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Volkswagen T-Roc 1.5 eTSI

By Bill McCarthy

Volkswagen’s T-Roc has been a smart, compact SUV since it hit the roads– and the new 2026 version is no different. Well, actually, it is. The latest version comes with a revised design inside and out, a significant increase in size and interior space, new drivetrain options, and the latest Volkswagen technologies and assistance systems.

Exterior design

The T-Roc has been a massive success for Volkswagen, with over two million sold since 2017. This new model sits on the latest MQB evo platform, bringing clever chassis and tech upgrades from its bigger siblings – including ‘big car’ assistance systems like Travel Assist and Park Assist Pro (optional on Style and R-Line).

It’s 122 millimetres longer, with a stretched wheelbase, and you feel the difference the moment you climb in. The exterior is clean and modern, with a stylish, dynamic profile.

I spent a week in the Life trim, the entry point to the range. It’s not the flashiest but it ticks most boxes, especially on price. Standard 17-inch alloys and understated body styling give it a neat, tidy look that ages well.

LED headlights are standard, and I really like the illuminated Volkswagen badge and light arrays at both ends. At night, it glows and gives the whole car a premium feel – the kind of detail that makes you turn back for a second glance after parking up

Interior and practicality

Step inside, and the improvements are obvious. The previous T-Roc had a cabin that felt a bit low rent in places, with harsher plastics. Not anymore. Materials are noticeably better, and everything you touch feels solid – the steering wheel, gear selector, door pulls – all with that reassuring Volkswagen heft. No noticeable creaks or rattles. It feels built to last.

The tech is a big step forward too. There’s an eight-inch digital cockpit and a huge 12.9-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dash, controlling everything from an upgraded infotainment to smartphone connectivity and nav capability, giving a premium feel to the interior

The extra size also pays off in practicality. There’s more rear legroom, more shoulder space, and a boot that’s grown to 475 litres – 1,350 litres with the seats folded. I shifted a ton of stuff on a couple of tip runs – not bad for something that still looks compact. The rear backrest is a bit upright, but for most journeys, it’s fine.

Powertrain and performance

There are two eTSI mild-hybrid turbocharged petrol engines, with outputs of 116 PS and 150 PS. Driven here is the more powerful version, which features a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This gives a torque boost when pulling away and lets the car coast with the engine off at speed.

The official 0–62 time is 8.9 seconds, but it feels quicker. Off the mark, it’s genuinely sprightly, and the seven-speed DSG kicks down with real urgency when overtaking – especially in Sport mode. The car feels eager, willing, and more responsive than its power output suggests.

Cylinder deactivation helps economy too. Under light load, it shuts off two cylinders, and I saw 45–50 mpg across a variety of roads – impressive for a petrol SUV.

On the road

The standard suspension and 17-inch alloys soak up bumps and potholes comfortably except on the worst of roads.

On the road, the T-Roc handles exactly as you’d expect from Volkswagen. Steering is well-weighted and direct, plenty of grip, and body roll is kept in check despite the higher ride height. It’s not a Golf GTI – it doesn’t pretend to be – but it strikes a fine balance between comfort and agility. The cabin is quiet too, with most wind and tyre noise kept outside.

It’s predictable, safe, and easy to place on the road. You don’t have to think about it – and sometimes that’s the highest praise you can give. On testing country lanes in the Peak District, it performed admirably, gripping well on tight bends and offering good steering feedback.

Safety and assistance systems

Standard safety kit includes Front Assist with autonomous emergency braking, Lane Assist, and a rear-view camera. Optional Travel Assist – available on Style and R-Line – combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping for semi-autonomous motorway driving, while Park Assist Pro handles steering, acceleration, and braking for parallel and bay parking. 

Value for money

The Life trim starts at around £31,635, which feels reasonable. But this model, with a few extras – the Technology Pack, Winter Pack, upgraded LED Plus headlights, and ambient lighting – came in at £37,795. That’s a big jump, and it puts the T-Roc in seriously competitive territory.

For that money, you’re looking at capable rivals from Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, and Mazda – many of which undercut the Volkswagen on price and offer longer warranties. You’re paying for that badge, build quality, and solid German feel. If you want the most kit for the least cash, the Koreans and now the Chinese are the ones to beat. If you want the nicest place to sit and the most polished driving experience, the T-Roc is a fine offering.

Verdict

The T-Roc won Best Small SUV at the 2026 What Car? Awards, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s bigger, better built, and more efficient than the car it replaces. It feels quicker than it should, looks the part, and upholds the build quality that’s made me a fan of the brand for years. It’s not cheap, and the competition is fierce – but if you can stretch to it, the T-Roc makes a strong case.

Factfile

  • Volkswagen T-Roc 1.5 eTSI Life
  • Price: £37,795 (as tested with options); from £33,700 OTR
  • Mechanical: 150 PS, 1,498cc, 4cyl turbocharged petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid system, driving front wheels via 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox
  • Max speed: 132 mph
  • 0-62mph: 8.9 seconds
  • Economy: 45-51 mpg (WLTP combined)
  • CO2 emissions: 128 g/km
  • Insurance group: 16-19
  • BIK rating: 31%
  • Warranty: 3 years / 60,000 miles

BYD, City cars, electric, Motoring

BYD Dolphin Surf an affordable, funky urban EV

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BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort

By Bill McCarthy

While many mainstream manufacturers are retreating from the city car and supermini segments – deeming small, affordable vehicles incompatible with EV development costs – BYD is charging in the opposite direction.

The Dolphin Surf is a compact, electric city car that doesn’t feel cheap, just smart and funky. UK pricing starts at £17,682 OTR for the Surf Active, with Boost models from £21,950 and the range-topping Comfort from £23,950.

Smart design

At under four metres long, the city car feels far more substantial. The tall, boxy shape maximises interior space, yet sweeping lines and angled headlights give it real road presence. A dot-matrix C-pillar creates a floating roof effect, while to the rear is a full-width LED light bar. The look is complemented by a not-so-subtle roof spoiler and stylish alloy wheels.

Interior and technology

BYD’s Ocean theme anchors the cabin with its signature ‘Wave Shape’ instrument panel, dominated by the standard 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen.

This centrepiece runs the latest interface, featuring customisable shortcuts and seamless smartphone integration with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and apps.

A slick feature includes controlling the ventilation by simply swiping three fingers up or down on the central screen. Intuitive voice command is activated with a simple “Hi BYD,” allowing key functions to be managed hands-free.

This is important as screens grow ever more complex and can be distracting. So much so that from this year, safety body Euro NCAP requires new vehicles to have physical buttons for key functions to achieve a maximum five-star safety rating. 

Standard kit is generous even on the base Active model, featuring vegan leather seats, a rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control, and V2L capability. Stepping up to Boost trim adds a larger battery, 16-inch alloy wheels, electric front seat adjustment, rain-sensing wipers, and power-folding mirrors.

The range-topping Comfort model adds a 360-degree camera, LED headlights, rear privacy glass, heated front seats, and wireless smartphone charging. That’s a lot of equipment for the money.

Practicality

With 308 litres of cargo space, the boot offers class-leading capacity comparable to many B-segment cars. Folding the rear seats opens up over 1,000 litres for larger loads. Storage features 20 clever compartments throughout the cabin, including a dedicated hideaway under the boot floor where the charging cable can be stored.

Performance and range

The Dolphin Surf prioritises urban efficiency over performance, powered by BYD’s safe Blade Battery – a signature brand of the company. It is available with a 30kWh pack in the Active trim or a 43.2kWh pack in the Boost and Comfort variants, with the latter receiving a 95kW (127bhp) motor. 

Acceleration is modest, reaching 62 mph in 12.1 seconds for the Boost and Comfort trims, while the lighter Active manages 11.1 seconds. WLTP Combined range peaks at 200 miles for the larger battery, extending to 305 miles in city driving – plenty for typical commuting.

On a mixed weather condition run, the range never exceeded 180 miles and dropped dramatically in heavy rain. A figure of around 150-170 miles in real-world mixed driving seems nearer the mark.

On the road

The vehicle is well-suited to brisk city driving, where its light, effortless steering is ideal for navigating and parking in tight spaces – aided by an impressively tight turning circle. However, it can feel a bit vague at higher speeds on the open road. When the accelerator is fully depressed, there is the occasional wheelspin from the front driven wheels.

On the road, it feels comfortable, but becomes unsettled on poorer quality surfaces. Refinement is strong, however, with minimal powertrain noise – just a distant electric motor whine.

Charging is practical: a 30-minute DC boost takes it from 10-80%, while a full AC charge at home takes approximately two hours. The V2L feature allows you to power household appliances directly from the car.

Safety and ownership

Safety is well covered for the segment, with equipment including a suite of airbags, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot detection, lane keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 360-degree camera on Comfort trim makes parking effortless.

Ownership peace of mind is boosted by a 6-year/93,750-mile vehicle warranty and BYD’s comprehensive 8-year/155,000-mile warranty on the battery t You can also unlock the car with your phone via NFC and start the climate control remotely via the app.

Verdict

At a time when some manufacturers are retreating from small cars, the Dolphin Surf offers genuine affordability and clever packaging. The real-world range is reduced in poor weather, but for urban duty, it is more than sufficient – and cheap.

Established rivals still hold the advantage of longer track records, but BYD’s strong warranty provides reassuring cover.

Factfile

  • Model: BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort
  • Price: £23,950
  • Mechanical: 95kW (127 bhp), front-axle electric motor, single-speed automatic
  • 0-62mph: 12.1 seconds
  • Max Speed: 93 mph (estimated)
  • Range: 200 miles (claimed WLTP Combined); 160-170 miles (estimated real-world)
  • CO2 emissions: 0 g/km
  • BiK rating: 3%
  • Warranty: Six years/93,750 miles; battery 8 years/155,000 miles