What is it?
It was quite a shock in 2019 when Volkswagen revealed its T-Roc Cabriolet. A drop-top version of the quite sensible T-Roc crossover, a convertible SUV is one of the most unusual new car niches around.
Land Rover tried it a few years earlier with its /land-rover/new-cars/range-rover-evoque Convertible, but when the T-Roc Cabriolet arrived in dealers in 2020, it was – and remains – the only new convertible SUV you can buy. Now Volkswagen has updated it, so let’s find out what it’s like.
What’s new?
Volkswagen has a long history of producing convertibles, with models lille the Beetle and Golf, and the T-Roc continues that trend. Though accounting for around five per cent of T-Roc sales in the UK, it’s become an important part of the brand’s range.
Tweaks for 2022 closely follow the regular T-Roc SUV, such as a redesign to the front end, updated badging and more in the way of standard equipment. Volkswagen hasn’t messed too much with the formula, however.
What’s under the bonnet?
The T-Roc Cabriolet is offered with a choice of two petrol engines – a 108bhp 1.0-litre unit paired to a six-speed manual gearbox or a 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol that’s offered with either a manual transmission or seven-speed DSG automatic. All models are front-wheel-drive, too.
Our test model is the more powerful 1.5-litre unit, joined with the DSG gearbox. Accelerating to 60mph takes 9.2 seconds, with a 127mph top speed possible.
As for efficiency, Volkswagen claims 44.1mpg, with CO2 emissions of 144g/km. There’s not really any penalty with running costs for choosing the more powerful engine, too.
What’s it like to drive?
Many convertibles like to promote sportiness, but almost refreshingly, that’s not what the T-Roc Cabriolet is about. It’s at its best at a steady and leisurely cruise.
With the roof down, the T-Roc is remarkably refined by convertible standards, and even more so with a wind deflector fitted over the rear seats. This 1.5-litre engine is smooth and suits the laid-back character of this Cabriolet well. Because of the additional weight of a convertible roof, the standard 1.0-litre unit can feel quite underpowered.
The optional ‘Dynamic Chassis Control’ is worth choosing too, as this lets you put the car in a ‘comfort’ mode, and helps to soften the suspension – it can be quite firm in its regular setting.
How does it look?
The T-Roc Cabriolet is a car you’ll either love or hate in the design department, but it’s hard to deny that it doesn’t stand out. On the road, it gets plenty of looks, particularly in the bright Teal Blue colour that our test car is painted in.
That fabric roof gives the T-Roc a really smart look, while this lowers in just nine seconds and at speeds of up to 18mph. It means if the weather quickly takes a turn for the worse, you can very easily put the roof back up.
What’s it like inside?
From the driver’s seat, the Cabriolet really isn’t much different to the regular T-Roc. You’ve got the familiar, clear Volkswagen displays, including a great digital dial display and easy-to-use touchscreen. The material quality is excellent too, and gives the T-Roc Cabriolet a pleasingly upmarket finish.
By convertible standards, it’s pretty roomy too. Granted, it’s nowhere as practical as the standard T-Roc, but the 284-litre boot is a good size, while rear seat space isn’t too bad, and would be fine for adults for shorter distances.
What’s the spec like?
There are just two trim levels available on the Cabriolet – Style and R-Line. Standard kit is decent on both, with the Style including LED headlights, a digital dial display, heated front seats and adaptive cruise control.
Upgrading to the R-Line gets smarter LED headlights, a larger digital cockpit display, driver profile selection and an R-Line styling kit.
As for pricing, the T-Roc starts from £31,495 for the 1.0-litre Style, with the R-Line available from £35,240 or £36,890 with the DSG automatic gearbox.
Verdict
The T-Roc Cabriolet is a truly unique proposition in the new car market. While its appeal will be limited, but if you’re after a convertible that is also practical and easy to live with on a daily basis, it’s quite a rare offering.
The sense of fun that comes from lifting the lid on what is ordinarily a sensible car like the T-Roc really shouldn’t be underestimated.