The T-Roc is one of Volkswagen’s more popular offerings in markets where they are sold - not in Australia, unfortunately. And so it goes that the German automaker needs to find new ways to spin the crossover’s appeal to a yet un-captured corner of the demographic.
Due to make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, their newest reinterpretation of the formula is one we’ve seen before, and one we’ve witnessed fail spectacularly for the automaker daring enough to undertake it. What they’ve done, clearly, is just take the roof off it.
The T-Troc Cabriolet follows in the footsteps of the Range Rover Evoque Convertible and the Nissan Murano Crosscabriolet. While the latter was a colossal failure, the JLR product is soldiering on as their well-to-do clientele is more than happy to sacrifice dynamics and practicality for apparent chic and a smidgen of individuality.
It’s also bee stripped of rear passenger doors although it does retain second row seating, albeit ones that are considerably compromised in terms of space and comfort in order to accommodate the folding soft top when it is lowered.
Perhaps Volkswagen would like us to think about the T-Roc Cabriolet as the 2019 version of the Golf Cabriolet, or the short lived Eos, or the Beetle Cabriolet - a fun ‘lifestyle’ alternative to the do-it-all practicality VW cars are usually known for.
Two engine choices were spoken of to be offered at the car’s launch to match the pair of trim levels: Sport and the R-Line (pictured). Kicking things off is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI turbo-petrol with 85kW or a 1.5-litre four-cylinder TSI with 112kW. Being a VW, both engines are mated to a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.
Volkswagen, thankfully, will also make a 6-speed manual version available, but we’re quite sure the customer base who would indulge in a drop-top crossover would opt for the automatic. The T-Roc Cabriolet also ditches the 4Motion all-wheel drive system for a strict front-drive only layout.
Inside, it’s mostly business as usual with regard to its trim and cabin design. The smart ergonomics and placement has been lifted straight from the newest generation Polo, which is no bad thing, and the R-Line trim package does impart plenty of dark leather, white contrast stitching, and satin metallic finishes.
For more on Volkswagen cars, check out our Showroom.
