Small Volkswagens usually make handy tow cars, and the T-Roc is no exception.
As an all-rounder, it gives best to the more practical Skoda Octavia, but judged purely on towing ability it runs it close.
The T-Roc was brilliant in our lane-change test, changing direction crisply and always feeling in control of the caravan, even as it started to slide behind the car.
However, at motorway speeds the T-Roc didn’t feel as settled as the Octavia. There were slight side to side movements, especially in windy conditions.
The 1.5-litre petrol is lively, although you do sometimes miss the extra pulling power of a good diesel while towing. However, so long as you are prepared to work the engine hard and change gear frequently the T-Roc accelerates briskly, going from 30-60mph in 11.5 seconds.
You notice the relatively modest torque when making a hill start, too. It took a careful balance of clutch and throttle to pull to the top of the 1-in-6 slope smoothly.
In solo driving, the T-Roc is a really enjoyable drive. It handles rough roads with deft assurance, and the well weighted steering and nimble handling make the VW fun to drive on a favourite B-road. The compact size makes the T-Roc easy to thread through city streets, too.
Despite its generous official capacity of 445 litres, our practicality testers struggled to find room for a typical load of holiday luggage in the boot. However, they were pleased to note that the car is fitted with a trailer stability system to help combat snaking.