SUVC: sport utility vehicle + convertible
When I think of convertibles, my imagination usually paints pictures of fast and luxurious sports cars. But the market has shown us something completely different – SUV convertibles that combine the comfort of an open roof with the functionality typical of SUVs. I would like to share my perspective on two such models: the Range Rover Evoque Convertible and Volkswagen’s T-Roc.
Range Rover Evoque Convertible: Luxury Under the Open Sky
At first glance, it’s clear that the Range Rover Evoque Convertible is a car with a unique character. It’s a convertible based on the standard Evoque model, equipped with a fully retractable roof. The standard Evoque has already won the Car of the Year title from Auto Express, and in its convertible version, it certainly attracts more attention… not just from automotive enthusiasts.
What captivated me about the Evoque Convertible? Above all, it retains all those distinctive design elements of the Evoque. The roof is fully retractable and hidden within the body, which allows for amazing open-air driving experiences and simultaneously creates a completely (by its oddity?) unconventional body line. Inside the car, there’s leather upholstery, surround cameras, an eight-inch touchscreen, and a Meridian sound system – you can feel the premium quality.
But most importantly, this luxurious convertible retains the off-road capabilities that are a hallmark of the Land Rover brand. With the Terrain Response system, it handles a variety of terrains. Safety is also a priority, thanks to the Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) – though I don’t really see myself rolling over in the terrain with this car (nor with the T-Roc…).
One might assume the Range Rover Evoque Convertible stirs up the market, offering an interesting alternative to traditional premium convertibles like the BMW 3 Series Cabrio, which has a strong presence.
The prices of this luxury convertible in Europe range from 32,000 to 48,000 EUR, making it accessible to a wide group of customers from a budget perspective – though availability is limited, and production ended in 2018, so there will only be fewer of them… and those roll-overs.
VW T-Roc Cabriolet: CEO Didn’t Believe
The T-Roc presents a completely different approach. Volkswagen, known for producing a variety of models, decided to break the mold and design a convertible based on the standard T-Roc model. Although it shares its foundation with the original SUV model, the differences are immediately noticeable. It doesn’t share many body panels with the T-Roc, especially from the front wheel arches, and most importantly: it has an extended wheelbase, which quietly improves the shape of the car.
To accommodate the absence of a roof and B-pillar, the chassis had to be reinforced with new crossbeams, and the A-pillar was additionally strengthened. The space for the roof is behind the bodywork, which means the rear seat can only accommodate two people – it’s significantly narrower. And unsurprisingly, the trunk is smaller compared to the standard model, and access to it has not improved.
Volkswagen decided to limit the engine options for the T-Roc to two gasoline units: a one-liter engine with 115 HP (known from the Skoda Fabia) and a 1.5-liter engine with 150 HP. The model is available in two trim levels: Design and R-Line. Surprisingly, the production of this convertible takes place at Volkswagen’s plants in Osnabrück, Germany, which specialize in the design and production of convertible models.
The skepticism of some in the industry, including Volkswagen’s CEO, Herbert Diess, about the idea of an SUV convertible, was understandable to me, but the T-Roc as a convertible became a reality, as another niche-filler combining SUV and convertible.
Prices for the used T-Roc in Europe start at 22,000 EUR and go up to 60,000 EUR, making it more affordable compared to the Evoque Convertible. The availability of this model is also higher. New starts at 35,885 EUR with the one-liter R3 engine.
In summary, both the Range Rover Evoque Convertible and Volkswagen’s T-Roc are interesting and unique propositions in the SUV convertible market for me. The former emphasizes luxury, refined design, and off-road capabilities, while the latter offers an innovative approach to the segment while maintaining affordability and price diversity. The choice between them ultimately depends on my own preferences and needs, though I miss a more powerful engine in the VW… A 2.0 TSI, in my opinion, would often be chosen in the configurator, and after all, there was even a 310 HP version that went below 5 seconds to 100 km/h, but the rear axle drive probably gave up space for the roof mechanism.
And there was also the Murano CrossCabrio… but that’s another story…
| Car | Engine | Engine Capacity | Engine Power | Maximum Speed (V-max) | 0-100 km/h Acceleration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Range Rover Evoque Convertible | R4 2.0L Diesel | 2.0 liters | 180 HP | 200 km/h | 9.6 – 10.8 seconds |
| R4 2.0L Gasoline | 2.0 liters | 240 HP | 221 km/h | 7.2 – 7.6 seconds | |
| VW T-Roc Cabriolet | R3 1.0L Gasoline | 1.0 liter | 110 (115) HP | 187 km/h | 11.7 seconds |
| R4 1.5L Gasoline | 1.5 liters | 150 HP | 207 km/h | 9.6 seconds |
