VW T-Roc revealed | Colorful, configurable compact crossover

The T-Roc also uses the MQB scalable platform, which shows how flexible the platform is since it also underpins that Tiguan and the large Atlas.

The T-Roc is definitely the most stylish of the MQB crossovers. When selected with the "Style" trim level, there are three different roof colors available and four different coordinating interior colors. The roof can be painted black, white or brown, and the interior can be selected with blue, orange, yellow, or brown trim panels and matching upholstery. The "Sport" trim is only available with a black roof, and the base "Yorkville" trim has a body-color roof.

No matter what trim and color, the T-Roc has a stylish, muscular appearance. The wheel arches are pumped up and the rear haunches are especially highlighted. The nose and roof shape are also clearly inspired by the T-Roc two-door crossover concept from 2014. The interior is also sharp, with geometric, squared-off shapes all around that are similar to what you'll find in the Tiguan and Atlas. Of course neither of those are as colorful inside.

The T-Roc is fairly well-equipped, too. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. A 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display is also standard with an 8-inch version available as an option. Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit LCD instrument panel is available, too.

Under the hood can be one of six different engines in gas and diesel forms making between about 115 horsepower to 190 horsepower. The 190-horsepower engines are only available with all-wheel drive and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. The other engines are available with front-wheel drive and manual and dual-clutch transmissions.

Volkswagen currently has no plans to bring the T-Roc to the U.S. This strikes us as a strange decision, and if the company sticks to it, we'll be surprised. The crossover market, particularly small ones, keeps growing. VW even admits this in its own press release saying "Compact SUVs are the next big thing." VW also has room in its American line-up now that the Tiguan has become larger, and the T-Roc's stylish looks would be very competitive with vehicles such as the Toyota C-HR, Kia Soul, and Nissan Juke. Not only that, but it's based on the MQB platform, which could potentially make it easier to update for the U.S. market. If it were to come here, we would expect it to be offered with the 150-horsepower and 190-horsepower gasoline engines, and likely only with the dual-clutch automatic transmission.