Volkswagen T-Roc R: First official image released of 296bhp SUV

Volkswagen has released a sketch of the new T-Roc R performance SUV ahead of an expected unveiling at next month's Geneva motor show.

The images shows that, as expected, the model will feature pumped-up styling compared with the standard Volkswagen T-Roc, including enlarged front air intakes with a honeycomb grille and bigger wheels. 

A previous teaser video, released by VW, shows the T-Roc undergoing development testing in disguise at the Nurburgring.

The video was the first confirmation of the T-Roc R's existence, which the company had previously been keeping a relative secret. It shows rally driver Petter Solberg figuring a camouflaged prototype on the Nordschleife but reveals little else about the car.

Autocar understands the T-Roc R will use the same 296bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged engine as the Golf R hot hatch, with which it shares its platform.

Earlier spy photos had shown a different prototype to the one spotted originally, with a different body colour and the same distinctive hoop daytime running lights of higher-spec cars. A production T-Roc R will undoubtedly follow this distinction.

A performance version won't be the only new T-Roc model; Volkswagen has also announced the launch of a T-Roc Cabriolet for 2020. The T-Roc R's more advanced stage of development means it will arrive before then, though.

Volkswagen sources hinted at the hot SUV being developed to become the most agile offering in its class, with chassis development guru Karsten Schebsdat and professional racing racer Benny Leuchter on hand to ensure its competitiveness.

Speaking at the launch of the new Volkswagen Polo GTI, Schebsdat, who led the development of models such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S and previously headed up chassis development at Porsche, said the T-Roc is already well suited to a performance application and therefore would be an effective R model.

"I think the standard T-Roc with 4Motion [four-wheel drive] and the DCC chassis with 19in wheels is the most agile SUV in that class," he said. "If there will be a T-Roc R, it will definitely be even more fun."

The model, a rival to group stablemate the Cupra Ateca, will put out 296bhp and had been spotted testing at the Nürburgring long before Volkswagen confirmed its existence. 

Leuchter has been drafted in to provide input for the car's set-up. He was a key contributor to the Clubsport S's final technical settings and was the man at the wheel when it set an earlier Nürburgring front-wheel-drive lap record.