A CONVERTIBLE version of the Volkswagen T-Roc SUV is on the way and will have its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
Dubbed the first crossover cabriolet in the compact class, the open-top T-Roc from the German car maker will have a fabric roof which can open and close automatically in nine seconds at speeds of almost 20mph.
A production-ready concept will be shown at Frankfurt and VW says the T-Roc Cabriolet will be available as a front-wheel-drive car with either a 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI engine developing 115PS or a more powerful 1.5 TSI with 150PS.
Both will be six-speed manuals with a seven-speed DCT semi-automatic transmission an option on the bigger engine. Safety features on the convertible include a reinforced windscreen frame, other body stiffening and and roll-over protection for all occupants.
The cabrio is slightly longer than the regular T-Roc and a four-seater only, with a boot space of 284 litres compared with 445 litres.
Two trim levels will be available, including an R-Line specification that has fog lights and sports-tuned suspension and steering as standard. With the demise of the open-top versions of the Beetle and Golf, the T-Roc will be the only cabriolet in the current VW line-up.
Prices and an on-sale date are still to be announced but the regular T-Roc costs from £20,005 with R-Line models coming in from £27.690 and it is understood the cabrio is slated to go into production early next year.
