The new Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet has been revealed ahead of its official debut at the upcoming Frankfurt motor show in September 2019, billed as the first crossover convertible in the compact class.

Joining the standard SUV body style (which also includes the hotter R-badged variant), the two-door cabriolet measures 4 268 mm long and bears a wheelbase of 2 630 mm. The Wolfsburg-based firm claims the luggage compartment can hold 284 litres.

VW says the newcomer’s fully automated, electro-hydraulic soft-top opens in nine seconds at speeds up to 30 km/h, while claiming the interior is “quiet thanks to both the sophisticated design of the soft top” and the “specially developed” window and door seals.

The roof can be controlled via a switch in the centre console or by using the remote control key from outside the vehicle. The T-Roc Cabriolet features a roll-over protection system, which is located behind the rear seats and is both extendable and reversible. Furthermore, VW says it has reinforced the windscreen frame and added numerous “structural modifications”, such as in the underbody, side panels, cross members and doors.

So, which engines are offered in the fresh-faced, front-driven convertible? Well, in Europe buyers will have the choice of two turbocharged petrol engines. The 1,0-litre three-cylinder makes 85 kW and 200 N.m, while the 1,5-litre four-pot generates 110 kW and 250 N.m. A six-speed manual gearbox ships standard with the smaller unit, while a seven-speed dual clutch transmission is offered as an option on the larger mill.

The T-Roc Cabriolet will be offered in both Style and R-Line specification packages. Inside, much is shared with the standard T-Roc. That means buyers can opt for an infotainment screen measuring up to eight inches as well as the optional active info display with its 11,7-inch display. Furthermore, a Beats sound system will be available.

Volkswagen South Africa tells CARmag.co.za while the standard T-Roc will be introduced locally in 2020, there are "no confirmed plans" to add the T-Roc Cabriolet to the SA range.

Original article from Car