At the launch of its updated T-Roc range, which now includes the T-Roc R, Volkswagen introduced two special Grid editions for the T-Roc and Tiguan R.
The Grid editions are both $5000 more affordable than the speedy R-grades they’re based on, swapping out some of the more plush gear for more basic specs.
Volkswagen explains that not only does this allow the brand to bring yet-unseen features to its R SUV lineup, but it also gives it better control over supply, thanks to persistent problems with certain parts.
Learn more about Tiguan and T-Roc
That means the T-Roc R Grid Edition carries a price tag of $54,300 before road charges. It includes a black exterior highlight package, 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels, “Performance” LED headlights and new R-branded cloth bucket seats.
However, it loses the premium “Matrix” LED headlights, front seat heating, power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather interior trim, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The T-Roc R Grid Edition retains the same 221 kW/400 Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and a fast 4.9 second 0-100 km/h sprint time compared to the main R rating.
Meanwhile, the Tiguan R Grid Edition is priced at $63,990, with the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in a slightly more powerful 235 kW / 400 Nm state.
The Tiguan features essentially the same amenities as the T-Roc Grid Edition, including new R cloth seats, although it also loses the head-up display that is standard on the Tiguan R.
The only optional equipment on either Grid Edition is a panoramic sunroof, which costs $2000 on the T-Roc or $2100 on the Tiguan.
The brand says these changes help it meet high demand across all R variants, although it said there will be no Grid edition for the new generation Golf R, in line with its catering strategy for buyers where the most volume is, or what he calls the “customer-centric product strategy”.
This strategy includes not only paired special editions, which VW says help buyers maintain their resale value, but also lower prices for models hit by parts shortages.
The Grid Edition was originally launched for the previous generation Golf R, but this time will be limited to both the T-Roc and the Tiguan.
“We’re getting an unfair share of these R models from these editions,” explained T-Roc product manager Todd Ford. “You can consider them as a preventative measure to help us keep our supply online.
“There are around 2,500 units of T-Roc available until the end of the year, although around 18% have already been sold,” he said, referring to the entire allocation. T-Roc, not just at R.
Like all automakers, Volkswagen is facing increasing challenges in the supply space, particularly for technology items, like the sensors needed to enable blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While these security systems will continue to be offered in the brand’s lineup, they are expected to be dropped from T-Rocs’ next shipment (MY23), although customers will also receive a $650 discount.
Similar adjustments were seen across the entire Skoda product portfolio, with prices being adjusted almost monthly.
2023 Volkswagen R Grid Edition price before on-road costs
Variant | Price |
T-Roc R Grid Edition | $54,300 |
Tiguan R Grille Edition | $63,990 |