Volkswagen just revealed a sleek new crossover — but Americans can't have it

The T-Roc is Volkswagen's new compact crossover.
It's the latest crossover to emerge from VW's new SUV-focused strategy.
It will not be sold in the US.

On Wednesday, Volkswagen unveiled its flashy new T-Roc compact crossover. The Mini off-roader was introduced to the world in a ceremony on the shores of Lake Como in Italy.

It's the latest VW crossover to arrive since the German automaker reassessed its product strategy to put the red-hot crossover/SUV market at the top of its priorities.

"SUVs are moving more and more people around the world and they are also moving the car industry," Dr. Herbert Diess, Volkswagen's CEO, said during the ceremony.

In just a few years, VW's global line up will feature as many as 19 different crossovers and SUVs that will account for 40% of its worldwide sales, Diess added.

In Europe, the T-Roc is expected to go on sale in November for around 20,000 euros with China soon to follow. But, if you live in the US, don't hold your breath.

Volkswagen VW T Roc A Volkswagen spokesperson confirmed to Business Insider that the T-Roc will not be sold in the US.

Instead, VW of America is considering another compact crossover in the company's international inventory to slot in below the newly introduced second generation Tiguan.

Which model that will be remains to be seen. The company has released a variety of region specific crossovers over the past few years like the CrossFox in Brazil and the Cross Santana in China.

Based on demand and consumer tastes, Chinese SUV buyers tend to be much more similar to US consumers than those in Europe. Both markets have a penchant for larger models with more room. This means the mystery crossover will likely originate from VW's offerings in the booming Chinese market.

VW Volkswagen Tiguan lwb Whatever decision VW of America makes, it will have to be soon. The current vehicle that occupies the space that would otherwise be taken by the T-Roc is the Tiguan Limited. It's actually a rebranded first generation Tiguan that's been around for a decade. In fact, the aging crossover is based on the 5th generation Golf passenger car platform that's more than 15 years old.

As result, VW's current place holder in the US simply can't hold on for many more years. In the long run, Volkswagen's US SUV line up will consist of at least four SUVs. From what we know, it will be the compact/subcompact mini-ute, the compact Tiguan, the 7-seat midsize Atlas, and a five-seat mid-size based on the Atlas. (The Touareg has been pulled from the US market.)

Volkswagen VW T Roc For those who will have access to the T-Roc, here's what you're going to get.

The VW cute-ute will be available with six different gasoline and diesel engines ranging from 113 to 187 horsepower. In addition, it'll be built on VW's new MQB platform shared with the new Tiguan and Atlas. The T-Roc will also be available with a 300-watt Beats sound system, a digital cockpit instrument display, and an 8-inch infotainment screen.

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