Next year VW South Africa will launch its compact SUV into the local market, called the T-Roc. There will be several different variants, including this performance model and earlier today the German automaker confirmed production of a VW T-Roc Cabriolet. There’s no word yet if this derivative is heading to local shores.

Niche-buster

Cabriolets are usually based on small vehicles, and typically not on SUVs, so the T-Roc Cabriolet is the first crossover cabriolet in the compact class. The only other SUV-based cabriolet we can think of is the Range Rover Evoque cabriolet.

Much like other drop-top VW products, such as the Beetle and Golf, the T-Roc Cabriolet has a folding soft top. The fully automatic roof opens in just nine seconds. Erecting or stowing it can be done via a button inside or from the remote key fob. It can open or close even while the car is travelling at speeds of up to 30 km/h.

Interestingly, the VW T-Roc Cabriolet is a two-door SUV, but it has seating space for four adults. In part, the ability to accommodate four in comfort comes from a 40 mm stretch in wheelbase over hard-top T-Roc versions. The increased length was also needed to create space for the folding roof.

Two engines and trim lines

The VW T-Roc Cabriolet will be available in just two equipment lines, called ‘Style’ and ‘R-Line’ in VW speak. Two turbopetrol engines will form the line-up. The smaller is a 1,0 –litre three-cylinder engine with an output of 85 kW. A more powerful 1,5-litre four-cylinder engine develops 110 kW. Six-speed six-speed gearboxes are standard on both, while a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is an option. Power is delivered to the front wheels in all derivatives.

Volkswagen gave selected media access to its newcomer ahead of its unveiling so they could film it for video coverage. Here is one such video giving us an in-depth look of the VW T-Roc Cabriolet.