WITH the rapidly expanding line up of SUV models on the market it's essential to create one that stands out from the pack to have any impact.

And with its T-Roc - particularly in four-wheel-drive 4Motion form - Volkswagen has managed to do just that thanks to some creative design flair, quality interior fittings and an engine to satisfy the most demanding of drivers.

With its high stance, prominent wheel arches and dramatic creases in the metal the T-Roc is certainly eye catching. Opt for one with a contrasting roof colour and - with its distinctive roof rails - it's even more striking.

And inside this Golf-sized car offers plenty of space for five adults to sit in comfort in a slightly elevated position ensuring good all-round vision.

It's a car which manages to combines the sales appeal of an SUV with the attributes of a family hatchback.

The T-Roc comes in a wide range of prices and specifications with entry level models at just under £20,000 rising to the all-wheel-drive 4Motion model driven here at almost £34,000.

With the recent creation of the new Polo-sized T-Cross model the T-Roc becomes VW's middle sized SUV fitting just below the Tiguan SUV, and as such will appeal to traditional Golf drivers.

The inside is functional, as one would expect with VW, but also classy thanks to the use of piano black panels on the dashboard and doors as well as really supportive sports seats with the R-Design logo embossed in them.

The centre-set touch screen is intuitive and easy to use when accessing both on-board features and the satellite navigation system and the 10.3-inch active info display in front of the driver which houses the virtual speedometer and rev counter offers a multitude of settings as part of the digital and interactive cockpit.

On the road the T-Roc is smooth and quiet. The seven-speed DSG gearbox is typical VW, seamless and sharp whether in normal or sport setting.

Near the gearshift is a button to set the car's driving mode to suit whoever is behind the wheel with a choice of either eco, normal or sport as well as a selection of individual settings.

Encircling this button is a dial to bring into play the Haldex 4x4 system when you want to call up the type of off-road surface you are about to encounter.

The 190bhp 4Motion is rapid, hitting 62 miles per hour in an impressive 7.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 134mph. At the same time it will average just over 41 miles per gallon.

Handling is more sporting hatch than SUV and it will corner dramatically quickly with barely any body roll, making it a delight to drive.

Having the 4Motion means you pay a small penalty when it comes to luggage, with 392 litres of space available against 445 litres on the two-wheel drive model but it's still more than adequate. Fold the rear seatbacks down and the figure jumps to an even more realistic 1,237 litres.

Volkswagen has high hopes for the T-Roc in the coming years, anticipating that three-quarters of purchasers will be private buyers spending their own hard-earned cash.