2020 Volkswagen T-Roc Convertible Spied, Looks Like a Bad Idea

Reluctantly, the company launched its first small crossover, the T-Roc, followed the economy model, which is the T-Cross. The former will also have a convertible version, with two fewer doors and a smaller trunk, a job that used to belong to the Golf family.

Following a pre-production concept, Volkswagen outlined a launch time for the T-Cross Cabrio, and even went as far as to say that it doesn't think it makes sense. This is the benefit of being the biggest player in Europe, as you wouldn't see Honda trying something stupid.

So, why are we being negative towards the car? Well, you just have to look at what's happening in the market. Very few convertibles are successful enough to even stay in production. Volkswagen also had a number of other compact convertibles, which were arguably more appealing, but didn't work. For example, we had the Golf R Cabriolet about six years ago, as well as the sleek Eos with its metal roof.

Crossovers are undeniably popular, but that's not enough to support something like this. It will always feel like its behind in terms of technology, something VW buyers never respond well to. For example, the T-Roc design is two years old and will feel outdated next to Golf 8, which will have Mercedes-like double screens.

Also, convertibles are never a good investment. They're viewed as more unreliable, so most of them lose value more quickly. Which is not to say we don't like it. The proportions of this prototype remind us of the Beetle, especially from the back, thanks to that trunk deck.

But maybe Volkswagen should stop searching for niches within niches and just focus on the volume sellers more. The Tiguan isn't the jack of all trades that it should be, and the electrification of their engine range feels very delayed.