VW lifts wraps on T-Roc Cabrio 15 | 08 | 2019

    VOLKSWAGEN HAS LIFTED the wraps from its new T-Roc Cabriolet. The soft-top, which will make its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, is expected to go on-sale in the UK next Spring. Prices are also expected to start around £25,000. (Related: Roadtest — VW T-Roc)

    The T-Roc Cabrio will ditch the two rear doors, as well as the B-pillar in order to accommodate the folding fabric hood. And because VW engineers have concealed the electrically folding arms and brackets for the roof in the bodywork either side of the second row of seats, thus narrowing the rear space, the cabrio will be a strict four-seater. (Related: VW T-Cross adds frugal diesel)

    VW-T-Roc-Cabrio-2.jpg

    The fabric roof — only available in black — will fold away, or reappear, in just nine-seconds at the push of a button.  VW has used the same mechanicals for the roof as found in the previous-gen Golf cabrio. The roof can be operated at speeds of up to 19mph.

    VW-T-Roc-Cabrio-3.jpg

    And having lost a significant amount of stiffness, due to the absent roof and B-pillar, the chassis has been strengthened. New crossbeams have been added, and the A-pillar has also been strengthened. And while we know the  cabrio will be heavier than the standard T-Roc, VW has yet to confirm by just how much. Though traditionally the increase is around a few hundred kilogrammes. (Related: VW launches e-Golf 48hr test drives)

    VW-T-Roc-Cabrio-3a.jpg

    Interestingly, the cabrio is also larder in size than the standard T-Roc. The soft-top is 4268mm long, with a wheelbase of 2630mm, an increase of 40mm. What doesn’t increase though is the bootspace. This drops significantly to 284-litres And while the rear bench folds almost flat at the pull of a lever, the opening is more a chute than a wide hatch. (Related: VW T-Cross on-sale)

    VW-T-Roc-Cabrio-4-copy.jpg

    Every piece of bodywork from the front wheel arch onwards is new, but inside the cabin it’s pretty much as it was when compared to the standard T-Roc. That’s no bad thing as it’s dominated by VW’s eight-inch centrally-located touchscreen. It is though the German carmaker’s latest version, the ‘MIB3’ unit, first seen in the new Passat. The system includes an integrated eSIM for online services. The options list includes VW’s 11.7-inch Active Info Display digital instrument panel.

    VW-T-Roc-Cabrio-5-copy.jpg

    Buyers will have the choice of two petrol engines. The front-wheel drive entry-level turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI petrol develops 113bhp and 200Nm torque, and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. There’s also the 148bhp 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol, which produces 250Nm of torque. It comes as standard with the six-speed manual, but also offers a seven-speed dual-clutch auto.

    VW-T-Roc-Cabrio-6-copy.jpg

    VW has yet to release performance an fuel economy figures, but with the additional weight of the car, these are likely to be less than those of the  standard T-Roc. (Related: VW unveils portable EV charging station)

    It’s understood two trim levels will be available in the UK. The entry-level cabrio will use the mid-spec Design trim level of the regular T-Roc. That brings 17in alloys, though leather upholstery will be an option.

    VW-T-Roc-Cabrio-7.jpg

    The range-topper — and expected to be the big seller — will be the R-Line, which will include lowered sports suspension, sporty bodykit, sports seats, progressive steering and new 17in alloys. Driver aids, including lane keep assist and city emergency braking will be standard-fit on both trim levels. VW will confirm final specs closer to the UK launch date.

    VW-T-Roc-Cabrio-9a-copy.jpg

    When it makes its debut in Frankfurt, the T-Roc cabrio will sit alongside the new 302bhp T-Roc R and, in complete contrast, the all-electric ID.3 hatchback.

    Related: VW Golf celebrates 45th birthday

    Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/Scotcars

    Jim McGill

     

User Comments

Login or register to post comments.