Volkswagen continues to offer a unique vehicle in Europe: the T-Roc Cabriolet, a compact SUV with a folding roof and a manual gearbox. This stands out in a market increasingly dominated by automatic transmissions, even in performance models like the Golf GTI, which no longer offers a clutch pedal.
A Last Vestige of Analog Design
The T-Roc Cabriolet is notable for retaining Volkswagen’s older interior design, featuring physical buttons and knobs instead of relying heavily on touchscreens. This contrasts with newer VW models that integrate most controls into digital interfaces. The vehicle also stands out by offering manual air conditioning as an option, a feature disappearing from many modern cars.
Pricing and Market Position
At a starting price of €37,560, the T-Roc Cabriolet is significantly more expensive than the standard T-Roc crossover (€29,000) and is priced closer to the larger Tiguan (€39,175). This suggests Volkswagen positions the Cabriolet as a niche product rather than a mass-market option.
End of an Era
Production of the T-Roc Cabriolet will end by mid-2027, marking the end of mainstream convertible offerings from the VW Group. After this, only Porsche, Lamborghini, and Bentley will continue producing high-end convertibles within the conglomerate. Audi is developing a new electric convertible, but it will be a very different type of vehicle.
Unexpected Longevity
The T-Roc Cabriolet’s continued existence, alongside other VW models like the Polo and Touran, which also offer manual gearboxes and older interior designs, is somewhat surprising. This suggests Volkswagen still caters to a segment of buyers who prefer traditional driving experiences.
The T-Roc Cabriolet’s demise next year will mark the end of mainstream convertibles from the VW Group. The automotive conglomerate will then offer only high-end droptops from Porsche, Lamborghini, and Bentley.
This unusual combination of a convertible SUV with a manual transmission highlights a curious moment in Volkswagen’s product strategy. While high-performance models shift towards automatics, some lower-tier vehicles retain the option for a more engaging driving experience. This trend may not last, as Volkswagen continues to streamline its lineup and embrace electrification.
