On the evening before the Geneva International Motor Show the Volkswagen Group traditionally presents its highlights. With the world première of the T-ROC concept car the Volkswagen brand is giving a preview of a possible SUV range. The striking features of the concept car include its progressive design, the front section with the LED headlights and two removable roof halves.

With the Tiguan and Touareg Volkswagen has in its model range two of the most successful SUVs (sports utility vehicles) of European origin. In the future, Germany's largest car manufacturer will be expanding this spectrum appreciably with new models in a variety of classes. Coming up at the Geneva International Motor Show (4th to 16th March): the world première of the T-ROC, a Golf-format concept car positioned a step down from the Tiguan. Following the CrossBlue (USA), CrossBlue Coupé (China) and also Taigun (India) concept cars, Volkswagen is once again giving a look ahead to possible future SUV models.

The T-ROC follows a new design line and interior style, with the progressive design of the front section being particularly striking. The two-door vehicle also combines the talents of an all-wheel drive SUV - which doesn't capitulate even when faced with rocky off-road tracks - with the summery airiness of a convertible. The middle section of the roof consists of two halves that with just a few flicks can be taken off and stowed in the boot. Front and rear cameras, which are backed up in the dark by LED headlights, extend the driver's field of vision.

Powered by a 135 kW / 184 PS turbo-diesel direct injection engine, the T-ROC is equipped with three different driving modes: 'Street', 'Off-road' and 'Snow'. The parameters of the 4Motion drive train, 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch gearbox), ABS, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control vary depending on the mode selected. The 2.0 TDI engine's fuel consumption is a low 4.9 l/100 km, while maximum torque is 380 Nm.

The vehicle body has been designed based on the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB). Thanks to lightweight construction the SUV weighs just 1,420 kg. Visually striking features include the relatively short overhangs and the multi-part 19-inch alloy wheels with size 245/45 tyres.

Volkswagen T-Roc R is just a taller Golf R

Shares 296-hp engine and suspension components with the hot hatch

Volkswagen's R division didn't skimp on the specs when developing the T-Roc R. The compact performance crossover gets the same powertrain as its hatchback sibling, meaning a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. All that shimmy gets channeled through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a Haldex all-wheel drive system. Even the suspension components are the same as on the Golf R, and the 17-inch brake system comes from the Golf R Performance.

The output gets the T-Roc R some 110 hp and 59 lb-ft beyond the standard all-wheel drive version. It sprints to 62 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds. That's just 0.2 seconds adrift of the Golf R. Top speed is the same electronically limited 155 mph.

It sets itself apart even when standing still with R badging on beefier front and rear fascias, vertical DRLs next to massive intakes in the front bumper, matt-chrome-look mirror caps, black brake calipers, a contrasting diffuser in back and quad exhaust. Eighteen-inch Spielberg wheels come standard under slightly wider wheel arches, 19-inch Pretoria wheels in dark graphite are an option, along with an Akrapovic exhaust. A contrasting black roof can be optioned with the exclusive Lapiz Blue Metallic or the other seven colors in the palette.

T-Roc R is lowered 20 millimeters compared to the standard T-Roc. Progressive steering comes standard, so too adaptive dampers, but Volkswagen's DCC adaptive damping will be an option. Handling on the go has been sharpened with the help of World Rally Championship driver Petter Solberg and VW works racer Benjamin Leuchter. Their assistance is likely sharpest when the T-Roc's in race mode, with its ESC turned off.

The interior has all the R logos, cross-stitching, ambient lighting and stainless steel pedals you'd expect from the brand.

Volkswagen says it will bring a near production-ready concept to the Geneva Motor Show in advance of the T-Roc R going on sale later this year.

As an open crossover model in the compact class, the new Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet combines the robustness and strengths of an SUV with the pleasures a convertible. The striking T-Roc design underlines what open-top driving is all about - fun, freedom, joie de vivre. Thanks to new driver assist systems such as IQ Drive Travel Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Park Assist, the car offers even safer and more comfortable driving. The new VW T-Roc Cabriolet is available in the equipment lines Style and R-Line.

Open-top four-seater

The T-Roc Cabriolet continues Volkswagen tradition, featuring a lightweight fabric top with three layers - like the Beetle and Golf Cabriolet. As soon as the electro-hydraulic drive has retracted the soft top fully automatically, which takes just nine seconds, the occupants of all four seats enjoy an all-round view.

When open, the soft top folds down in Z format behind the rear seats, its solid front mirror serving as a cover. The vehicle's protection system is activated instantly in the event of an imminent rollover, protecting the driver and passengers with two strong plates that shoot upwards behind the rear headrests within a fraction of a second. Additional body reinforcements compensate for the lack of a fixed roof.

The modern design of the exterior is achieved by means of clear, calm geometries and surfaces, while details such as the wide front grille with integrated LED performance headlights highlight the robust SUV look. In the interior of the new T-Roc Cabriolet, the latest modifications in the area of the redesigned dash panel and displays ensure a particularly high-quality and progressive look.

Digital progress

With standard equipment that includes the Digital Cockpit based on the third generation of the Modular Infotainment System (MIB3), the new T-Roc Cabriolet is highly advanced in terms of both displays and controls. The Ready 2 Discover system with a redesigned, 8-inch infotainment display comes as standard.

Efficient engine options for cruising or off-road

The drive and running gear of the new Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet supremely masters any task it is faced with. There is a choice of two efficient petrol engines with turbocharging and direct injection. The 1.0-litre TSI is a three-cylinder engine with an output of 81 kW (110 PS) of power and 200 Nm of maximum torque.The 1.5-litre TSI engine has an output of 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm. A six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive are standard, but the larger TSI can also be optionally combined with the 7-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox.

Freedom in day-to-day life and along unexplored paths

The VW T-Roc Cabriolet succeeds in embodying joie de vivre and driving pleasure - developed for adventurous drivers in search of freedom in their day-to-day lives as well as on entirely unexplored roads. This modern form of versatility includes the option of open-top driving as well as the robust all-round characteristics of the new T-Roc Cabriolet. It combines a high level of comfort across four seats and a 284-litre luggage compartment with the latest technology for controls and digital services.