I'm sure many will have noticed the frequent confusion in posts between R and R-Line models, and there may be an element of that in play here.
The R and R-Line models are vastly different beasts in terms of performance and handling and the driver's ability to alter these is also vastly different between these models. So references to the effects of using the DSG D/S on anything other than the R model are off topic here and have been discussed at length in numerous other topics.
To answer the OP regarding the difference between the Race Mode, R button and D/S autostick on a T-Roc R, the following is my
'guess' as I don't have one and have never been in one, although I have viewed some videos on YouTube.
As an example of settings unique to the R model, the following screen shot from the manual refers to adapting the TCS and ESC systems and as you will see in the small print I've outlined, this ONLY applies to the R model.
This button is visible in YouTube videos for the T-Roc R. On other models, there is no button for this in the centre console and TCS can't be turned off in Car Settings while ESC is either On or Off.
The deficiencies in the Owner's Manuals are well known, so it's not surprising that there is little or no information on what the R button does but this is what VW briefly say on their web site ...
"
The R-button on the steering wheel allows direct access to various driving profiles, such as Race mode, which offers a particularly powerful driving sensation. Launch Control delivers traction-optimised acceleration that utilises maximum torque together with a corresponding driving stability control system."
Posts on other forums auggest
a long press of the R button will put the car straight into Race mode and open the Driving Mode display on the infotainment screen.
Subsequent short presses of the R button will cycle through the various modes (ECO, Comfort, Normal, Race, Individual). This is also confirmed in YouTube videos.
So it appears that the R button certainly offers more than the D/S on the DSG selector and if the driver chooses Race mode, the car's dynamics (performance and handling) will almost certainly differ from the S position of the DSG selector. Among other things, I believe Race mode alters the power and torque distribution between front and rear wheels, alters the TCS and ESC settings and alters the steering weighting.
To see what settings Race mode might affect, I suggest owners go in to the driving settings menu and select Individual mode. That should bring up a menu of the various settings available and will probably identify Race mode settings.
Perhaps
@fozz57 or other genuine T-Roc R owners can try the above and report back on the findings.
I'm more than happy to be corrected by T-Roc R owners with hands on experience and knowledge.
This would be so much easier if VW just took the time to document it all in the Owner's Manual, or perhaps an addendum specially for the R model.
