Volkswagen surprised everyone
with the announcement that it would build a T-Roc Convertible. Even some of the automaker’s
execs acknowledged that there isn’t a big market for such a vehicle. Yet the
drop-top T-Roc project goes ahead.
Here it is as a development prototype snapped for
the first time on public roads by Carscoops spy photographers. Arriving in 2020, the
Volkswagen T-Roc Convertible will be a two-door four-seater cabriolet that will
add to the regular T-Roc and the R-branded performance model.
At the front, the third member of the T-Roc family
will adopt a similar styling to the standard model, but the profile and rear
are significantly different. One can’t help but notice the familiar roofline
that reminds of the previous-generation Golf Cabriolet. In a way, the T-Roc Cabriolet can
be considered its successor. That’s because the Golf won’t offer a convertible
version for the foreseeable future.
The fabric soft top isn’t the only difference
compared to the normal T-Roc SUV. The frameless doors are longer to allow an
easier access to the back seats, although we’re not sure how roomy they will be
for adult passengers. Also, the rear end features a boot lid that opens to
accommodate the top.
Expect the T-Roc Cabriolet to offer a similar range
of turbocharged gasoline and (possibly) diesel engines as the five-door SUV.
The model will be built from the second half of 2020 at the Osnabruck plant in
Germany. The factory previously manufactured the VW Golf Cabriolet and
currently makes the VW Tiguan.
