Description
Volkswagen had a long history of producing convertibles, but after the low sales of the Beetle Cabrio and the Eos, the automaker was reluctant to offer one until the T-Roc Convertible appeared.
The German automaker unveiled the open-top version of the T-Roc in September 2019 and planned the commercial launch for the spring of 2020. But then, the world started struggling with the pandemic that sent everyone home, and the streets were deserted. And yet, in April, true to its words, the German automaker launched the T-Roc Cabriolet as an alternative to its closed-body version of the regular T-Roc crossover. The new model was redesigned from the ground up and shared only its front side, up to the A-pillars, with its brother. It was a bold movement for the German automaker who considered that it could afford to try this move. While the result was not a hard-core SUV nor a sexy-looking open-top grand tourer, it was a well-suited boulevard courier able to crawl over a curb and small enough to fit in tight parking spots.
At the front, the T-Roc convertible shared the same front fascia as its five-door sibling. It featured a broad black grille crossed by horizontal slats that supported the VW badge in the middle. The headlights were standard with halogen bulbs, while the automaker offered an option for LED ones. Lower, in the apron, the automaker added a second air intake that helped to cool the engine and a set of angular-shaped fog lamps.
From its profile, the T-Roc Cabriolet revealed its thick A-pillars that served as rollover protection. Volkswagen reshaped the bodywork by adding longer doors than those installed on the closed T-Roc version. As a result, the rear quarter panels were new but featured the same design idea of enlarged shoulders over the wheel arches. One of the carmaker’s challenges was to create the vehicle without a B-pillar. Thanks to its experience in creating cabriolets, it did that by reinforcing the T-Roc’s floor. Furthermore, the wheelbase had to be extended to make room for the retractable rag-top. As a result, the car’s overall weight increased by 194 kg (428 lbs.) compared to its closed-top sibling.
The T-Roc Cabriolet offered an actual four-seat cabin to its customers. At the front, they discovered bolstered seats and a modern-looking dashboard that integrated a standard touchscreen infotainment system. Its mixed instrument cluster featured analog dials and displays that showed data from the car’s onboard computer. Customers could also opt for an 11.7-inch screen, known as the Digital Cockpit. Those seated in the back could enjoy just enough legroom, especially for short trips inside the city. Like most convertibles from its era, the T-Roc Cabriolet could be opened and closed while driving at speeds of up to 30 kph (19 mph) in nine and eleven seconds, respectively.
Volkswagen limited the engine choice for the T-Roc cabriolet to just two: a one-liter inline-three and a 1.5-liter four-banger. Both were paired with six-speed manuals, while the latter was available with a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox as an option. Power went to the front wheels only.
Press Release
As the first crossover convertible in the compact class, the new Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet combines the looks and strengths of classic SUVs with the unique driving experience of a convertible. The clear message of "Accept no roof" promises a sense of freedom - a literal breath of fresh air in the SUV segment and a highly emotive driving experience. The T-Roc delivers on this promise and brings a bit of colour to everyday life, thanks to its serious cool factor.
The T-Roc evolves into the T-Roc family
The Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet brings more diversity to the booming SUV market, using the functionality, driving dynamics and technology of the T-Roc (introduced in November 2017) as a starting point. The name says it all: the "T", derives from the Tiguan and the Touareg, identifying the T-Roc family as SUVs. "Roc" positions the T-Roc as a crossover, which confidently and spiritedly shakes up - or rocks - the compact SUV segment. It has managed to do this extremely successfully, with around 360,000 vehicles already sold since its launch. In March 2019, an additional high-performance variant of the family was presented: The T-Roc R, which brings 221 kW / 300 PS and 400 Nm torque onto the road, via 4MOTION four-wheel drive and a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The T-Roc Cabriolet is set to extend the range of the popular crossover models to include a convertible in spring 2020. A convertible that makes driving a joy - every time.
Accept no roof
As a stylish and sporty member of the T-Roc family, the T-Roc Cabriolet pushes the boundaries of an automobile. It stands for both utility and freedom, as well as performance and comfort. The design, which is as charming as it is cool, sparks positive emotions. Its high-quality soft top opens in nine seconds, even when driving at speeds of up to 30 km/h. What's more, the crossover utility vehicle (CUV) boasts all of the familiar strengths of Volkswagen SUVs: elevated seating along with numerous customisation options. With these features, the T-Roc Cabriolet establishes itself as an embodiment of vitality and driving pleasure, developed for adventurous people who are looking for freedom both in their everyday lives, as well as off the beaten path. The crossover convertible will be officially presented at the IAA international motor show in Frankfurt am Main from 12-22 September 2019. The launch will take place in spring 2020.
Extroverted and emotive design
The VW T-Roc Cabriolet stands out with its distinctive body style. The modern and emotive design makes it unmistakably clear what the T-Roc is all about: driving pleasure, freedom and a zest for life. The strikingly wide front end, prominent lines and tight proportions make the model a bold mix of top-down effortlessness and beefy SUV looks. The team under Head of Design Klaus Bischoff gave the crossover Cabriolet a powerful yet refreshing appearance, which clearly underlines its unique position in the SUV segment. "The T-Roc Cabriolet carries the freedom of design into the driving experience itself. We have redefined the CUV as an emotive lifestyle product that combines power and style in a unique way", says Bischoff. All in all,the design makes a clear statement: the T-Roc Cabriolet brings individuality and a sense of freedom onto the road and is open to everything - from the everyday to the special adventure.
Package opens up new horizons
Positioned within the segment under the Tiguan, the T-Roc and the T-Roc Cabriolet both share its design basis: the modular transverse matrix (MQB). The MQB enables developers to create a compact design and a completely independent body style. The VW T-Roc Cabriolet is 4,268 mm long, with a wheelbase of 2,630 mm. The vehicle is 1,811 mm wide (without exterior mirrors) and 1,522 mm high. The driver and front passenger are seated at a comfortable 599 mm over the tarmac (rear seats 616 mm) and therefore can enjoy a great view. Inside the two-door model, the drivers and passengers can expect a high degree of flexibility and generous open spaces. The same goes for the 284-litre luggage compartment, which is something to be proud of in the compact crossover segment. The versatility of this vehicle concept is also underscored by an optional towing bracket.
The T-Roc Cabriolet soft top
Following on from the tradition of the Beetle and the Golf Cabriolet, the T-Roc Cabriolet has a classic soft top. The soft top itself consists of the linkage, the headliner, an all-over cushioned mat and the outer cover. The development team configured the longitudinal joints of the outer material shell (centre panel and two side panels) in a way that enables them to function as an additional drip rail.
Perfect aerodynamics
A total of four cross braces and the front cross strut (the first large cross member behind the windscreen frame) are mounted between the longitudinal frame of the soft top linkage. The soft top is attached to the cross struts by bolted-on fabric holding rails. This ensures that the soft top does not inflate, even when driving at high speeds. Not only does this have a positive impact on the aerodynamics, but also on the noise levels in the vehicle interior. The interior is quiet thanks to both the sophisticated design of the soft top, as well as to the specially developed window and door seals.
Opening and closing while driving
When the roof is open, the top of the front cross strut fully covers the convertible roof compartment, making an additional cover unnecessary. The T-Roc Cabriolet lets the sun shine - almost like flicking a light switch: the standard, fully automated, electro-hydraulic soft top opens in just nine secondsvia the central switch in the centre console - or via remote control key from outside the vehicle. The roof can even be opened and closed when driving at speeds of up to 30 km/h. The T-Roc Cabriolet soft top is locked and unlocked using an electromechanical locking system. The entire car top system is fully automated, so no additional manual interventions need to be performed.
Safety in every detail
Passengers in the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet are well-protected thanks to the roll-over protection, which is located behind the rear seats and is extendable and reversible. The system used in the T-Roc springs upwards in the area of the rear headrests within fractions of a second, in response to exceeding a defined lateral acceleration or vehicle tilt. Moreover, the T-Roc Cabriolet is designed for all-round maximum safety, with its reinforced windscreen frame and numerous structural modifications, such as in the underbody, side panels, cross members and doors.
"Always on" and "Digital Cockpit"
Expanded networking in the T-Roc Cabriolet enhances convenience: With the optionally available next-generation Infotainment system (MIB3), the Cabriolet is permanently online - enabling it to offer completely new services and functions. The new system has an online connectivity unit, including an integrated eSIM. This means the Cabriolet can, if desired, be permanently online as soon as the driver has registered it in the Volkswagen system. Information is displayed on the Infotainment system screen, which measures up to 8 inches. When this is used in combination with the optionally available Active Info Display, with its 11.7-inch screen, a completely digital cockpit landscape can be created - what we call the Digital Cockpit. There is also the option to round off the functional equipment with a 12-channel sound system from US-based manufacturer BeatsAudio, with a system output of 400 watts, enhancing the driving experience when the soft top is open.
Style and R-Line specification packages
Volkswagen sets clear standards in terms of equipment: Customers can choose between the design-oriented Style and the sporty R-Line specification packages. For both lines, those who want to up the style factor can select 19-inch alloy wheels instead of the standard 17-inch wheels.
The Style specification package stands for design and individuality. With a total of four different décor options for the vehicle interior, standard ambient lighting, 17-inch Mayfield alloy wheels with a lacquered finish and optional leather packages available in two colours, a personalised experience is guaranteed. The specification package with the standard Composition Infotainment system, which includes USB and Bluetooth interfaces, as well as the online services offered by We Connect produces an harmonious overall package.
The R-Line specification package is resolutely sports-oriented and incorporates the contents of the R-Line exterior and interior packages, which are offered as options for the T-Roc, as fixed elements. The sporty orientation is further emphasised by the standard fog lights, the sports-tuned running gear and the progressive steering with speed-dependent steering control. The adapted sports seats with the integrated head restraints and the specific seat covers in a combination of fabric and leatherette with R-Line branding are a particular highlight. Thanks to the standard electrically adjustable lumbar support, the vehicle is not short on comfort, and the selectable decorative fabrics offer options for individual customisation.
The basic technical equipment for both variants includes Front Assist with City Emergency Braking System and pedestrian detection, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and the Lane Assist system.
Efficient TSI duo
Dynamism is written into the DNA of the T-Roc family. The front-wheel drive convertible enables sporty and agile driving in everyday situations and radiates with the confidence of an SUV. It handles city driving just as easily as a long-distance journey. The available engines enable relaxed cruising at all times - especially when the soft top is opened. Customers can choose between two efficient turbocharged petrol engines with 85 kW / 115 PS (200 Nm torque) or 110 kW / 150 PS (250 Nm torque). The manual six-speed gearbox comes as standard with the 1.0 three-cylinder engine with 85 kW; for the more powerful 1.5 four-cylinder engine with 110 kW, a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox is also available as an option.
