Volkswagen T-Roc Cabrio: the first compact crossover convertible

Volkswagen unveils the new T-Roc Cabrio, which will join the compact crossover range in spring.

The Frankfurt Motor Show has been chosen for the debut of the new Volkswagen T-Roc Cabrio. It is a venture, launching a compact SUV convertible onto the market, that could soon be joined by other manufacturers.

When we carried out the analysis of the range and prices of the Volkswagen T-Roc, the brand had already revealed its intention to offer a convertible version. Now, the T-Roc is definitively saying goodbye to its roof, creating an option that is a priori very bold, but which makes a certain sense. If SUVs are in fashion, and in particular this segment in which the T-Roc competes is one of the fastest growing, why not a convertible SUV?

Let us recall that the T-Roc range also foresees the launch of a sporty version, the Volkswagen T-Roc R. We have seen it as a concept car, but it is already very close to what the production version will be, with a 300 CV engine, 4Motion all-wheel drive and DSG gearbox.

This is how the T-Roc is transformed into a convertible

In its conversion to a convertible, the T-Roc Cabrio surprises with how it has managed to Volkswagen offer a whimsical car that does not lose sight of practicality.

Thus, with exterior dimensions that barely vary from the T-Roc (4.3 metres long, 1.81 wide and 2.63 m wheelbase), the T-Roc Cabrio keeps two rear seats that on paper appear perfectly usable. And the boot offers a reasonable 284 litres of capacity, which is not bad for a car of this type. The rear seats can be folded down, connecting the boot with the cabin.

The fabric roof features a special design with an inner lining and upholstered padding. It articulates on a frame of bars designed so that the roof does not balloon at high speeds, improving aerodynamics and cabin noise levels.

It operates automatically, and opens in just 9 seconds at the touch of a button located on the console. It can be opened and closed on the move at speeds of up to 30 km/h, and the upper part of it acts as a cover when folded.

Behind the rear seats are hidden the anti-roll safety hoops, which deploy in tenths of a second if the vehicle exceeds a certain level of tilt or lateral acceleration. As is usual in any conversion from a closed car to an open one, the T-Roc Cabrio includes a reinforced windscreen frame, as well as various additional reinforcements to the chassis in the underbody area and the sides.

T-Roc Cabrio engines: petrol only

Unlike the T-Roc range, with multiple petrol and diesel options, and even 2WD and 4WD variants, the T-Roc Cabrio range will be much simpler. Initially there will be only two engines to choose from, both petrol. It is not ruled out that more versions will be added months after commercialisation begins.

The entry engine is the 1.0 TSI 3-cylinder with 115 CV, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. The top option is the 1.5 TSI 4-cylinder with 150 CV, in this case with the option of choosing the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox.

With the performance offered by both engines, which stand out for their smoothness and a good balance between performance and consumption, it seems reasonable that in a car like this, which is not precisely designed for long road trips, the diesel engines offered in the T-Roc are dispensed with.

Two trims: Style and R-Line

Volkswagen will offer the new T-Roc Cabrio with two equipment lines. The Style trims focus on design and elegance, while the R-Line trim is the one that Volkswagen offers as its sporty hallmark.

As standard, all T-Roc Cabrio models come with the Composition infotainment system, with Bluetooth and USB connection, as well as the Front Assist system with city emergency braking and pedestrian detection, plus lane departure warning.

On the Style, 17-inch alloy wheels and ambient lighting are standard. The R-Line stands out for its sport suspension, fog lights and progressive steering. It also adds sport seats with an integrated headrest.

Marketing and price of the T-Roc Cabrio

Commercialisation of the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabrio is planned from spring 2020. It will arrive just a few months after the T-Roc R joins the range.

There is still no price guidance for a convertible that, at least for now, has no competition in the category. But you can count on one thing: it will not be cheap. Expecting a premium of around 4,500 euros over the 5-door T-Roc would not be taking too much of a risk.

Taking into account what an equivalent T-Roc costs, we could be talking about a starting price for the T-Roc Cabrio 1.0 TSI 115 CV Style version very close to 30,000 euros.

Photo gallery of the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabrio

Related information

–Volkswagen T-Cross vs T-Roc: which option is better?
–Thinking of buying a VW T-Roc? 6 things you should know