This lack is now filled, but as they say: other times, other customs. The classic convertible is no longer a recipe for war and has disappeared from almost all generalist manufacturers. It is the law of the market: what does not sell goes through the door. And needless to remind you that what is currently selling is the SUV. Perhaps motivated by what Range Rover did four years ago with the Evoque Cabrio (and even before, the concept dating back to 2012), VW decided to try the convertible SUV in turn. Except that in the meantime, we have seen that the formula had not been too successful for the English manufacturer, who decided to no longer offer an open version of the new Evoque. How would the VW succeed or Range failed? We have our little idea, but everything in its time.
Sidewalk star
Luckily: it was during the hottest week in May that we were able to try the T-Roc cabrio, and the first thing to say is that it was a huge hit with the public! Already a good point: we notice it, when no one turned around on a Golf Cabrio. It must be said that with the car open, all windows down, the vehicle looks quite good. Besides, when it is closed, the shape of the hood gives it a false coupé-like appearance. Not bad. The designers have therefore successfully completed the metamorphosis of what is basically a 5-door crossover.
Inside, the front part is obviously that of a classic T-Roc, with what it includes quality (if you don't look too much at the plastics from below), ergonomics and electronic equipment. At the rear, there are only 4 seats left, but they will be sufficient for adults without problems. The hood is very compact once folded, so we did not have (too much) to sacrifice the habitability in the direction of the length. Concept obliges, it is however the trunk that pays: here it is at 284 liters instead of 445 in a normal T-Roc, and the opening is necessarily quite small. That being said, not surprisingly, the family cabrio with large trunk only existed to our knowledge in America in the 50s and 60s.
In its place
On the road, there is no secret, we feel that the absence of a roof implies a loss of rigidity. And is it serious, doctor? Actually not at all. Because the shear effect of the chassis implied by this loss of rigidity is negative in two cases: in sporty driving (behavior is affected) and when this effect is so significant that it affects general comfort. Here, we have a vehicle which rather encourages walking, and which "shears" ultimately quite little. In short, everything is fine.
The VW T-Roc Cabrio therefore remains in its place: it does not make you believe that it will tear off the pavement - even if the 1.5 TSI 150 ch has resources - and ensures the approval to which we are accustomed in n any compact VW. Let’s add that the convertible top is fairly well soundproofed only for traveling long distances on the motorway, that it should protect you more than correctly from winter frosts, and that the average consumption raised to 6.9 liters sticks with the official WLTP figure.
Price question
There remains the question posed above: how could the VW T-Roc Cabrio do better than the Range Rover Evoque Cabrio, whose experience came to an end after 4 years? Simple: the Evoque cost at least 50,000 € before options, and we quickly flirted with 70,000 € if we configured it as should be such a fashion accessory. Certainly, the Range was playing among the premiums, and the vehicle was a killer, both aesthetically and technically. However, the public was clearly not ready to spend this amount on this vehicle. The VW T-Roc starts at € 34,600 (1.0 TSI 115hp), and is aimed at "middle class" customers who, because they can accommodate fabric seats and rims under 20 ", will not explode the budget in options. Finally, it is the same clientele as those who bought a Golf Cabrio, but stopped doing it out of taste for the SUV. And if we offer her the SUV version of the Golf Cabrio, she might be tempted. Well done, VW!
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The VW T-Roc 1.5 TSI in a few figures
• Engine: 4 cyl. petrol, turbo 1.498cc; 150hp from 5,000 to 6,000 rpm; 250Nm from 1,500 to 3,500 rpm.
• Transmission: to the front wheels.
• Transmission: 6-speed manual.
• L / l / h (mm): 4.268 / 1.811 / 1.522
• Curb weight (kg): 1,540
• Boot space (l): 285
• Tank (l): 50
• 0 to 100 km / h (sec.): 9.6
• Maximum speed (km / h): 205
• Mixed consumption (l / 100 km): 6.4
• CO2 (g / km): 146
• Price (€): 38.600
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