At this year’s Auto Expo, Volkswagen showcased four SUVs – the I.D. Crozz Concept, Tiguan Allspace, Taigun and the T-Roc. We know that the Taigun is still some time away for a market launch, and that earlier this month the Tiguan Allspace received its price tag. As for the I.D. Crozz, it has yet to enter production for any market. What’s left then? The T-Roc. Volkswagen India commenced accepting bookings for the SUV last month. Today, we have a price for it. Without taxes, it costs Rs 19.99 lakh.

That’s quite a high price tag for what is essentially a Creta-sized SUV. Well, there’s a good reason for that. Volkswagen is just testing waters with the T-Roc. For that, it has utilised the government’s rule of importing up to 2,500 cars per year without the need for homologation. In other words, the SUV in question arrives via the CBU (Completely Built Unit) route. And to keep things simple, Volkswagen is offering just one variant of it.

Powering the India-spec T-Roc is the combination of a 1.5-litre TSI engine and a 7-speed DSG. With 148bhp/250Nm on tap, the SUV can hit 100kmph from nothing in just over 8 seconds and top out at 205kmph. Some might say that those figures aren’t gutsy. They might go on to point out that other SUVs in the same price bracket offer a lot more power. What they are forgetting is that with the Volkswagen, it is about the delivery and no just the figures. The DSG is, without a doubt, one of the best gearboxes in existence.

The T-Roc redeems itself with an intriguing list of features. It includes dual-zone climate control, LED headlamps with DRLs, rear-view camera, keyless entry and start, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof and a digital instrument cluster. On the safety front, the SUV packs six airbags, electronic stability control, rear parking sensors, ABS with EBD and tyre pressure monitoring system.

If you consider the T-Roc’s dimensions, it is a competitor for the Hyundai Creta, Renault Captur, Kia Seltos and the Nissan Kicks. However, price-wise, the VW rivals the likes of the MG Hector, Tata Harrier and the Jeep Compass. What you pick the T-Roc over the similarly-priced SUVs?