Volkswagen Australia is continuing its 'Year of the R' expansion of honed, high-performance flagships, with the first-ever T-Roc R set to follow the all-new Golf R and first Tiguan R when it arrives in August priced from $59,300*.

The stylish and popular compact crossover receives the full Volkswagen R treatment with segment-benchmark performance, technology and safety.

A 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI petrol engine delivers a full 221kW of power and 400Nm of torque, mated to a 7 speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) with 0-100km/h acceleration in just 4.9 seconds – class leading at this price point.

Segment benchmark, latest Volkswagen technology includes the full suite of Digital Cockpit Pro, 9.2" Discover Pro navigation, wireless phone charging, wireless App-Connect, voice control and DAB+ digital radio. Keyless Access and an electric tailgate with Easy Open and Close function are also standard.

And, in this crossover class-benchmark triple act, the T-Roc R includes the leading Volkswagen IQ.DRIVE system with Travel Assist, Active Cruise Control, Lane Assist, Side Assist, Park Assist and Rear View Camera – plus IQ.LIGHT matrix LED headlights with Dynamic Light Assist.

Brand Director of Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles Michal Szaniecki said the first T-Roc R "perfectly packages iconic R performance and handling with leading technology and safety to become the ultimate flagship crossover."

"From under $60,000 the T-Roc R is both the perfect entry to the sought-after R family while driving like an ultra-hot hatchback cloaked as a crossover. Its Volkswagen R genes run deep and lead the segment."

For the T-Roc, those 'R genes' extend from Estoril 19-inch alloy wheels, to standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive, adaptive chassis control with Race mode, and progressive steering, all in the finest traditions of the iconic Golf R.

Outside the T-Roc R features an illuminated grille strip with R logo and anodized aluminium trim, matte chrome mirrors, lowered ride height, an exhaust with quad tailpipes, roof spoiler and gloss black rear diffuser.

The interior debuts a newly designed soft-touch dashboard that features on all upgraded T-Rocs this year, with a stylish new fascia incorporating a new dual-zone climate control panel and piano-black décor inlays.

Sports front seats feature Nappa leather, seat heating and an electrically adjustable driver's seat, complemented by a sports leather multi-function steering wheel with gearshift paddles, black rooflining and tinted rear glass.

All colours are standard, including Pure White, Lapiz Blue Premium Metallic, Kings Red Premium Metallic, Pyrite Silver Metallic, Indium Grey Metallic and Deep Black Pearl Effect.

An optional ($1,200) Black Style package tailors an individual sporty look with a black roof paint finish, mirrors, roof rails and roofline decorative trim, plus C-pillar carbon-look trim and black surrounds for the interior air vents and audio.

The only other options include a panoramic sunroof ($2,000), a 300W, 6 speaker + subwoofer Beats audio system ($750) and Lapiz Blue matte décor inlays ($250).

Standard equipment:

• 2.0 litre 4-cylinder TSI 221kW/400Nm; 7-speed DSG; 4MOTION
• 19-inch Estoril alloys (space saver spare)
• Adaptive Chassis Control with Race mode
• Progressive steering
• R exterior and interior styling
• Premium LED tail lights with dynamic indicators
• Exterior ambient lighting
• Premium Metallic paint
• Keyless Access
• Electric tailgate with Easy Open and Close functions
• 9.2" Discover Pro navigation system with voice and gesture control
• Digital Cockpit Pro
• App-Connect including wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless phone charging
• Nappa leather appointed upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Electrically adjustable driver's seat with memory
• IQ.DRIVE with with Travel Assist, Active Cruise Control, Lane Assist, Side Assist, Park Assist and Rear View Camera
• IQ.LIGHT matrix LED headlights with Dynamic Light Assist

* Plus on-road costs