T-Roc without a roof

Volkswagen has a long tradition of building convertibles from the early 50s with Karmann-Ghia. The last Golf Cabriolet was produced in 2016 – and the last Beetle Cabriolet in 2019. Today, the legacy is carried on in the T-Roc Cabriolet.

High-built cabriolet

The concept is similar to the Range Rover Evoque mk1 Cabriolet. A high-built 4-wheel drive with a coupe silhouette and the convertible then represented something new. A car without a roof needs extra reinforcements. A solid SUV-like car is well suited because it can better withstand the increase in weight from the reinforcements. The cabriolet solution in the T-Roc increases the weight by 190 kg compared to the 5-door version. Using a T-Roc as a basis also provides other advantages such as plenty of space in the cabin and an – for the type of car – acceptable luggage compartment. You can also get the car with a trailer hitch. The T-Roc Cabriolet can tow a whopping 1500 kg.

General information about the T-Roc

The Volkswagen T-Roc convertible is produced at the former Karmann factory in Osnabrück. The standard model is produced in Portugal and shares a platform with the Skoda Karoq and Seat Ateca. In terms of image, it is neither a trendsetter nor a signal model for new technical and design solutions in the same way that the Golf has been. It is about a sensible crossover for those who need a slightly larger car than the Golf. The T-Roc is not a car that is associated with active leisure and a youthful lifestyle. If we compare it with the Range Rover Evoque (mk1), the 5-door version radiated far more of these things than the T-Roc. The step from the standard Evoque to the Cabriolet version therefore seemed more natural. Volkswagen must have had a bit of a challenge in creating a lifestyle convertible based on one of its most sedate models.

Exudes sporty lifestyle

I had invited myself to take a look at Petter's T-Roc Cabriolet in the South of France. It's only a few days old, and just had a bike rack installed on the tow bar when I arrived. The Thule bicycle holder must withstand two electric bicycles and has space for number plates. Petter had actually managed to get an extra sign for the holder. He opens the trunk and shows that you can fold down the rear seat backs and barely have room for the golf clubs through the opening. 280 liters is quite a good volume considering that the canopy is in a room above. The trunk does not steal legroom in the back seat either.

Inspired by Golf

I mentioned that Volkswagen must have had a challenge in transforming the standard T-Roc into a Cabriolet. They have actually succeeded quite well. The cars are built in Germany, not in Portugal. The extended fender profiles that are standard on all T-Rocs are more visible on the 2-door convertible than the 5-door version. Especially the rear ones - since no rear doors cut into the screens. The canopy and rear end give the car its own identity. When I see the car from the side or the back, I think Golf - not T-Roc.

Engines

Volkswagen has sourced two powertrains from the T-Roc's engine range for the cabriolet. 1,0 TSI 110 HP with 6-speed manual gearbox and 1,5 TSI EVO 150 HP with 7-speed automatic. It's easy to be a motor writer and recommend the most expensive option - but in this car the biggest engine is a "must". The smallest 3-cylinder 1-liter engine pulls well at low revs, but sounds pingy when you step on the gas. The T-Roc Cabriolet is so heavy that with 4 adults the engine's negative character can be clearly seen. Not for that - you don't hear much of the engine on the road, even with the roof down. But in a convertible, the sound image is important. The 1,5 TSI is a perfect engine for this car. It delivers enough power, and has a lovely sound. It also has the property that it cuts two cylinders when the engine is not under load, although there will hardly be a noticeable difference either in terms of sound or consumption.

On the road

The T-Roc Cabriolet has retained the same ground clearance as the standard T-Roc. The chassis from the T-Roc works well in the Cabriolet as well. I immediately recognize the good balance between sportiness and comfort from other products in the Volkswagen group. It feels unusual to sit high up in an open car where you look down on the small French cars around. With the roof down and the side windows open, the soundscape is much like driving with a panoramic sunroof. At least if you sit in front. I think the back seat passengers might experience more wind. But this is about a car where you should be able to feel the sun, wind and rain - if you don't just open the roof, that is. This can be done at speed, as long as the speed is below 30 km/h.

Facts about the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet

Weights and Measures
Length, width, height: 428 / 181 / 152 cm
Net weight: 1540 kg (without driver)
Max trailer weight with brakes: 1500 kg
Luggage compartment: 280 litres

Drivetrain
Engine: 1,5 TSI EVO 150
Power: 150 HP at 6000 revs
Torque: 250 Nm at 1500-3500 revolutions
Gearbox: 7-speed DSG
Front wheel drive.

Performances
Top speed: 205 km/h
0-100: 9,6 seconds

About the car
Place of production: Osnabrück, Germany
Owner: Private
Source: automobile-magazine.fr