Volkswagen T-roc Cabriolet Drop-top small SUV is one of a kind – but does it have a place in the market?
Convertible SUVS are a rare breed – so is there a place in the market for this new drop-top version of Volkswagen’s pint-sized T-roc? On sale Now Price from £26,750
FIRST DRIVE
SOME CARS SEEM destined to become a convertible; others, not so much. This new drop-top version of the Volkswagen T-roc small SUV certainly falls into the latter camp – especially because, as well as the roof, VW has trimmed away one of the rear seats, two doors and the practical hatchback boot opening.
The only other all-new drop-top SUV we’ve seen in recent years was the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, which was received with bemusement when it was launched in 2016
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and went off sale in 2018. The closest things to rivals for the T-roc Cabriolet now are the Mini Convertible and BMW
2 Series Convertible.
The cabriolet offers the same choice of petrol engines as the regular T-roc: a 113bhp 1.0-litre petrol or a 148bhp 1.5. The latter is a bit slower than the fixed-roof equivalent but still has plenty of punch from relatively low revs, so you’ll have no problem scooting away from junctions or accelerating up to 70mph. The six-speed manual gearbox is a little notchy but has a short shift action; a seven-speed automatic gearbox is also available with the 1.5 engine.
The extra weight required to stiffen up the cabriolet’s structure (to compensate for the removal of the fixed roof) can be felt along twisty roads, and there’s noticeable body lean when you start to push on. Sensitive steering makes the car feel a little twitchy at motorway speeds, too. However, the T-roc Cabriolet’s ride is far more comfortable than the Mini Convertible’s, with poor road surfaces being smoothed over easily, while potholes and expansion joints aren’t too jarring.
With the fabric roof up, wind and road noise are fairly obvious from inside, and our test car had an annoying whistle around the top of the windscreen. However, you’re well protected from turbulence when the roof is down, even without the optional wind deflector (£325) fitted.
As in the regular T-roc, there are plenty of scratchy plastics inside, even across the top of the doors and dashboard. However, everything is logically laid out, while the infotainment system’s 8.0in touchscreen is crisp and relatively easy to use and comes with Apple Carplay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring.
The driver’s seat has plenty of adjustment to help you get comfortable, including for lumbar support, and the raised driving position gives you a great view out. But unlike the regular T-roc, there are only two seats in the back. Space for those passengers is limited; the roof slopes down and cuts into head room, while knee room is also restricted. Two adults can just about fit, though, and access is easy, thanks to wide door openings and sliding front seats.
Volkswagen T-roc Cabriolet 1.5 TSI Design
Price Engine Power Torque Gearbox 0-62mph Top speed Economy CO2, tax band
In place of the regular T-roc’s tailgate, the cabriolet has a small lid that hinges upwards to reveal a narrow opening. There’s a high load lip and large wheel arch intrusions, and it loses 161 litres of space over the regular model, leaving a total of 284 litres – not a greater deal more than the Mini Convertible’s paltry 215 litres.
Even entry-level Design trim gets plenty of kit, such as dual-zone climate control and automatic lights and wipers. Safety systems are well covered, too, including adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
Even Volkswagen predicts that the cabriolet will make up only 7% of T-roc purchases. Although it’s pricier than the Mini Convertible (by around £6000) and not as much fun to drive, its lofty driving position, usable rear seats and more comfortable ride give it a unique appeal for those wanting to add a greater sense of fun and freedom to their SUV.