More R! 2023 Volkswagen T-Roc R and Tiguan R Grid Editions on the way - and why they're even more affordable

At the launch of its updated T-Roc range, which now includes the T-Roc R, Volkswagen has outlined two Grid special editions for both the T-Roc and Tiguan R.

The Grid Editions are both $5000 more affordable than the go-fast R grades on which they are based, trading some of the more lavish equipment for a more down-to-basics specification.

Volkswagen explains, not only does this allow the brand to bring features as-yet-unseen to its R SUV line-up, but it also allows it better control over supply, thanks to ongoing issues relating to certain parts.

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This means the T-Roc R Grid Edition wears a pricetag of $54,300 before on-road costs. It features a black exterior highlight pack, gloss black 19-inch alloy wheels, ‘Performance’ LED headlights and new cloth R-branded bucket seats.

However, it loses the higher-grade ‘Matrix’ LED headlights, front seat heating, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, leather interior trim, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The T-Roc R Grid Edition maintains the same 221kW/400Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and quick 4.9 second 0-100km/h sprint time from the main R grade.

Meanwhile, the Tiguan R Grid Edition wears a price-tag of $63,990, with the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine in a slightly punchier 235kW/400Nm state of tune.

The Tiguan features mostly the same equipment as the T-Roc Grid Edition, including the new R cloth seats, although it also loses the head-up display which 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 are helping it keep up with the strong demand across all R variants, although said there would be no Grid Edition for the new-gen Golf R in line with its strategy of catering for buyers where the most volume is, or what it calls the “customer focused product strategy”.

This strategy not only includes paired-back special editions, which VW says helps buyers maintain their resale value, but also lower prices for models affected by parts shortages.

The Grid Edition was originally launched for the previous-generation Golf R, but will be limited this time around to both the T-Roc and Tiguan.

“We’re getting an unfair share of these R models thanks to these editions”, explained T-Roc product manager, Todd Ford. “You can think of them as a pre-emptive measure to help us keep our supply online.

“There are roughly 2500 units of T-Roc available until the end of the year, although around 18 per cent are already sold,” he said, referring to the entire T-Roc allocation, not just the R.

Like all manufacturers, Volkswagen is facing increasing challenges in the supply space, particularly for technology items, like the sensors required to enable blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While these safety systems will continue to be offered in the brand’s range, they are set to be stripped from the next (MY23) shipment of T-Rocs, although customers will also receive a $650 discount.

Similar adjustments have been seen across the entire Skoda product portfolio, with prices being adjusted on a nearly monthly basis.

2023 Volkswagen R Grid Edition pricing before on-road costs