The Charm of a Convertible SUV
When you picture a convertible, you usually imagine a sporty two, seater, hugging tight curves with a roof that folds in seconds. The VW T, Roc Cabriolet changes the game by putting the convertible experience into a compact SUV format. Sitting higher than most convertibles, you’re not only closer to the wind but also have that elevated view which SUVs are loved for.
What makes this even more impressive is the fabric roof that opens electrically in just nine seconds, even while you’re cruising up to 30 km/h. On the shaded, narrow lanes of Vorholz, that quick roof, drop feature became a highlight , it’s just enough speed to let you open up at stoplights or slow bends without waiting for a full stop. This seamless transition from closed to open made the drive feel like a breath of fresh air , literally.
Despite the open roof, the T, Roc retains its typical SUV practicality. The trunk volume stays stable at around 280 liters even with the roof down, which means you’re not sacrificing cargo space for the sun, soaked experience. Plus, it’s one of the few convertibles that offers a trailer hitch option. During my test, I could almost imagine a small trailer or bike rack in tow, ideal for weekend getaways.
The Vorholz Drive: Handling and Comfort
Vorholz’s roads are a mix of tight bends and sweeping curves, perfect to test the T, Roc Cabriolet’s handling and ride comfort. At first glance, you might doubt a convertible SUV can manage corners confidently, but VW has tuned the chassis impressively. The steering is direct and communicative, giving you confidence in fast cornering. On a particularly tight hairpin bend along a forest clearing, the T, Roc felt planted with minimal body roll , a testament to its well, engineered suspension setup.
The cabin offers a surprisingly quiet environment when the roof is up, with effective insulation from wind noise. Once I dropped the top, the rush of natural sounds, rustling leaves, and birdcalls filled the cabin, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the drive. Even at 90 km/h on open stretches, wind buffeting wasn’t overwhelming, which is rare for a convertible.
The seats were comfortable with decent lateral support, especially helpful in those longer, twistier sections of the drive. Visibility remained excellent thanks to the higher seating position, and the adjustable driver’s seat accommodated my 1.82, meter frame comfortably.
Powertrain Choices: Punchy or Practical?
The T, Roc Cabriolet is offered with two petrol engines: a 1.0, liter three, cylinder producing 116 hp and a 1.5, liter four, cylinder delivering 150 hp. For my test, I tried both variants, and each offered a distinct driving character.
The 1.0 TSI felt adequate for city and light country driving. It needed some revving to get moving briskly, especially on Vorholz’s steeper inclines. Its six, speed manual transmission was precise but struggled a bit with the car’s weight of about 1,460 kg, taking 12.3 seconds to hit 100 km/h. Yet, it ran smoothly and was quite fuel, efficient, with an average consumption of around 7.0 liters per 100 km. This engine is a sensible choice if you’re prioritizing economy and ease over sporty performance.
The 1.5 TSI was the star for those craving more spirited driving. Paired with a DSG automatic gearbox, it sprinted to 100 km/h in just 9.6 seconds, making overtaking on narrow, forest, lined roads feel much safer and effortless. The turbocharged engine pulled cleanly without lag and held mid, range revs well, which made the drive dynamic but relaxed at the same time. Fuel consumption was a touch higher at about 7.3 liters per 100 km, but considering the power boost and smoother acceleration, it’s a worthy trade, off.
Practicality Meets Style
Step inside the T, Roc Cabriolet, and you’ll notice a mix of digital and tactile controls, familiar if you’ve driven other VW models. The 2022 facelift brought a fresh, more refined look with digital instruments and an always, on infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment was responsive, and the natural voice control system helped keep my eyes on the road.
Although the interior materials show some cost, conscious choices , hard plastics are still evident , the overall build feels solid. The seats have fabric upholstery in the base Style trim, with synthetic leather armrests adding a touch of premium feel in higher trims. The special Goal edition offers some nice touches like chrome accents and stainless steel pedals, which I noticed elevated the cabin’s vibe slightly.
Rear, seat access is admittedly tight, especially with the roof up, and legroom is limited but manageable for short trips. During my drive, I focused on the front seats, which offer plenty of space and adjustability to suit drivers of various heights.
Safety and Driver Assistance in the T, Roc Cabriolet
One concern with convertibles is safety, particularly rollover protection. Volkswagen addressed this with additional reinforcements in the windshield frame and side structures. What’s impressive is the rollover protection system that deploys steel plates behind the rear headrests if the car senses an imminent rollover, protecting rear passengers.
Driver aids like Front Assist, Lane Assist, IQ.Drive Travel Assist, and Predictive ACC come standard, adding semi, autonomous driving capabilities up to 210 km/h. While driving Vorholz’s winding roads, these systems felt reassuring but unobtrusive , assisting with gentle steering corrections and maintaining safe distances without taking away the fun of driving.
Final Thoughts: The Last of Its Kind?
Driving the VW T, Roc Cabriolet in the tranquil, twisting roads of Vorholz left me impressed by its unique blend of practicality and open, air joy. It’s rare to find a convertible that offers SUV versatility without making too many compromises. The quick electric fabric roof, combined with a solid chassis and competent engines, makes it a compelling choice for those craving fresh, air drives beyond the typical sporty coupe.
While it may not win style points like a traditional roadster or match the raw power of high, performance SUVs, the T, Roc Cabriolet fills a niche market quite nicely. With its facelifted tech and safety features, it feels modern and safe for everyday use. However, with VW discontinuing the convertible version after 2025, this model might become a sought, after rarity.
For those who appreciate a fresh breeze on forest roads like Vorholz or coastal highways, the T, Roc Cabriolet is a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively.
Is the T, Roc Cabriolet safe given its convertible design?
Yes, it has reinforced structures and an active rollover protection system that deploys protective steel plates in emergencies.
Is the T, Roc Cabriolet practical for daily use?
Absolutely. With seating for four (just), a proper infotainment system, and usable trunk space, it serves well as a daily driver, especially in warmer months.
How safe is the T, Roc Cabriolet?
It includes rollover protection with steel plates that deploy behind the rear headrests and optional proactive occupant protection.
