2020 Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet: prices, engines, practicality, specs and release date
Volkswagen opens up its compact crossover to a whole new bunch of car buyers
A DROP-TOP car will return to the Volkswagen range next year, in the form of the new T-Roc Cabriolet.
What is the 2020 Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet?
As its name suggests, the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet is a soft-top version of the German firm’s T-Roc compact crossover. While making a drop-top version of a family-oriented SUV sounds like a vehicle with very limited appeal, Volkswagen claims the T-Roc Cabriolet will “breathe fresh air into the segment” and “add yet more lifestyle to the booming SUV market”.
The roof itself appears to be quite an impressive piece of kit. Volkswagen claims the T-Roc Cabriolet’s soft-top can be raised or lowered at speeds of up to 18mph, and takes just nine seconds to go from fully open to fully closed or vice versa.
What engines will be available for the 2020 Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet?
From launch, the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet will only be available with two turbocharged petrol engine options: a 1-litre three-cylinder that produces 114bhp and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder with 148bhp.
Both versions will only be available with front-wheel drive and will come as standard with a six-speed manual transmission. There will also be a seven-speed automatic ‘box available from launch as an optional extra.
Volkswagen has yet to say whether more engines will join the range after launch, so it remains to be seen whether the regular T-Roc’s diesel engines will also be added to the Cabriolet’s line-up. Considering how niche a convertible compact crossover is, it’s highly unlikely the 206bhp 2-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine from the sporty T-Roc R model will find its way under the Cabriolet’s bonnet, though with every model niche being filled at the moment it’s best to never say never.
How spacious is the 2020 Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet?
Some details are yet to be released but it’s almost certain the boot capacity will be reduced when the fabric roof is folded away behind the rear row of seats. With the roof up, however, the Cabriolet’s boot size should be about the same as the regular T-Roc’s — which, for reference, is quoted as 445 litres with the rear seats up, and 1,290 litres with the seats folded down.
With the roof in place, the T-Roc Cabriolet is expected to be just as accommodating as the fixed-roof version; meaning there should be enough room inside for four averagely-sized adults to fit relatively comfortably. However, whereas the regular T-Roc is available as a five-door car, the T-Roc Cabriolet’s lack of a fixed roof means it’s only available as a three-door model.
What tech will the 2020 Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet have?
Top spec versions of the T-Roc Cabriolet can be “permanently connected” to the Internet through a built-in eSIM setup, and an 11.7in touchscreen interface can be specified to replace the standard car’s 8in screen.
The Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet will also be available in two additional trim levels: a Style spec that “embodies a focus on design and individual flair”, and the “resolutely sports-focused” R-Line trim. Volkswagen didn’t reveal the contents of the Style trim, though it did confirm the R-Line spec comes with standard front fog lights and sportier bodywork.
One feature that all Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet buyers will definitely have access to, however, is the rear rollover protection hoops that automatically deploy in the event of an accident.
When does the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet go on sale?
Volkswagen hasn’t pinned down a precise release date for the T-Roc Cabriolet, though it has said the car will go on sale sometime during spring 2020.
How much will the 2020 Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet cost?
Prices will be revealed closer to launch, though the convertible model will almost certainly be more expensive than the regularly-roofed T-Roc. Using the mark-up for other drop-top VWs like the now-discontinued Beetle, we expect the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet to start at around £22,000 for the 114bhp model and about £26,000 for the 148bhp version.
What are the 2020 Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet’s rivals?
The T-Roc Cabriolet will be the default choice for new car buyers after a drop-top compact crossover, as it will be the only car of its type on sale in the UK when it arrives next year.
A handful of alternatives are available if your broaden your horizons to the used car market, however, with perhaps the most obvious example being the old Range Rover Evoque Convertible (the latest model is yet to be released in cabriolet form).
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