Order books for the Volkswagen T-Roc R now open in the U.K.

The T-Roc R marks the first time the R department has applied its unique and acclaimed tuning talents to an SUV since the Touareg R50 of 2008.

11 years of progress has delivered impressive results for R-branded performance SUVs - the T-Roc's top speed of 250km/h and its 4.9-second zero to 100km/h acceleration time are significantly quicker than the older Touareg's.

U.K. customers will enjoy lightweight 19-inch Pretoria alloy wheels fitted to the T-Roc R as standard - an upgrade over the standard-fit 18-inch wheels fitted in other markets.

The new R model also benefits from the option of Volkswagen's Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive damper system, offering greater flexibility through a choice of multiple driving modes that alter the characteristics of the car.

The T-Roc R's colour palette provides the most vibrant options of any R-badged model to date, with Energetic Orange, Turmeric Yellow, White Silver, Indium Grey, Deep Black, Pure White, Flash Red and the standout R-specific shade Lapiz Blue all available on the compact performance SUV. All are also offered in combination with a black roof, A-pillar and mirror housings.

Equipped exclusively with a seven-speed DSG transmission and 4MOTION four-wheel drive, the T-Roc R nods to the R brand's first model - the Golf Mk4 R32, which also featured Volkswagen's acclaimed DSG.

As the fastest-shifting transmission option, it is the natural choice for a specialist performance car like the T-Roc R, matching the pace that its 296bhp engine confidently delivers.

The introduction of the T-Roc R marks the first time since the Scirocco R that two R-badged models have been sold side-by-side in the U.K., with the Golf R continuing to be a favourite among hot hatch enthusiasts and critics alike.