What's the news?
In moderately surprising news, Volkswagen has confirmed that it will put a cabriolet version of the T-Roc into production, targeting early 2020 as a launch date. The compact T-Roc is Volkswagen's smallest crossover at present. Those with a keen memory for motor shows will recall that the T-Roc first appeared as an open top SUV concept at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. Subsequently, Volkswagen had shown the smaller T-Cross Breeze, at the 2016 Geneva Show.
Dr Herbert Diess, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, says: "Volkswagen is evolving into an SUV brand. The T-Roc is already setting new standards in the compact SUV segment. With the cabriolet based on the T-Roc, we will be adding a highly emotional model to the range. I am especially pleased to note that we can count on the Osnabrück team's decades of experience with convertibles. The Osnabrück plant now has bright prospects for the future."
Unlike the regular T-Roc, this cabriolet version is expected to feature a two-door design, similar to the Range Rover Evoque Convertible. It will also fill the void left by the demise of the Volkswagen Golf Convertible, which was not continued into the current Mk7 generation. While it is too easy to confirm engine offerings, it is more than likely to use the same as those in the T-Roc.
While the T-Roc Cabriolet may be somewhat niche, Volkswagen has already taken over 40,000 orders. Its bigger brother, the Tiguan has sold 720,000 units, while a smaller crossover that will sit beneath the T-Roc is also due to be released.
Anything else?
The new Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet will be produced in the company's Osnabrück plant following the announcement of a €80 million investment. This facility currently manufactures the Volkswagen Tiguan and Porsche Cayman while also provides painting work for the Skoda Fabia.