The production-spec Volkswagen T-Roc compact SUV finally broke cover only last year but the auto giant has envisioned a lot more for the model, which now includes a convertible. While the idea a convertible was showcased on the concept version in 2014, Volkswagen has now confirmed that the T-Roc will be getting a cabriolet derivative indeed and the topless version will be introduced in 2020. A cabriolet compact SUV is a segment yet to be explored by manufacturers and hence, makes this a bold step for the German automaker.
Unlike the concept though that had two detachable halves for the roof, the design sketch released by Volkswagen shows a more conventional soft top instead made out of fabric and two-doors. A hard top variant cannot be ruled out either. Volkswagen CEO Dr. Herbert Diess described the T-Roc Cabriolet as a highly emotional model added to the range.
The German car maker has announced that it will be investing nearly $100 million in the T-Roc Cabriolet and the model will be produced at the company's Osnabruck plant in Germany, which also works on the Volkswagen Tiguan and Porsche Cayenne. The car maker plans to produce up to 20,000 units of the cabriolet version per year.
(The Volkswagen T-Roc was launched in Europe in 2017 and has received over 40,000 orders)
As far as changes are concerned, do not expect the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet to be dramatically different from its conventional sibling. The omission of a roof should make the car heavier as the chassis will be strengthened for additional rigidity. The boot space too is likely to be sacrificed a bit in order to accommodate the open top mechanism. That said, the T-Roc will be a lot more friendlier on rough terrains due to its higher ground clearance.
A cabriolet compact SUV is certainly new and barring the conservatively received Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet sold in Europe, there aren't many examples out there. However, the Range Rover Evoque Cabriolet is an example of a convertible SUV done right and we certainly hope the T-Roc falls in the same league.
