Volkswagen continues to sell the T Roc Cabriolet with a manual gearbox in Germany, even though the Golf GTI switched to automatic only two years ago. The reason lies in architecture and timing. The convertible T Roc still rides on the first generation platform introduced in 2017, which was originally engineered with manual transmission compatibility. Meanwhile, the newer generation models, including the current GTI, were redesigned around automatic systems as part of broader efficiency and emissions strategies.

Keeping the manual option gives the T Roc Cabriolet a unique identity in the European market. It becomes one of the very few mainstream convertibles that still offer full driver control with three pedals. For traditional drivers, this creates a nostalgic appeal wrapped in a modern body style. The car also represents the final open top production model within the Volkswagen Group mass market lineup, with production officially scheduled to end by mid 2027 and no direct replacement planned. Once it disappears, mainstream convertible options inside the group will be limited to premium brands such as Porsche, Lamborghini, and Bentley.

In many ways, the T Roc Cabriolet is not just a car, it is a reminder of a different engineering philosophy. It combines sport utility vehicle height with a soft top roof and a manual gearbox, something few manufacturers would attempt in 2026.

Buyers in Germany who choose the T Roc Cabriolet pay a noticeable premium for open air driving. The starting price sits at approximately 37,560 euros, which makes it about 7,000 euros more expensive than the standard fixed roof T Roc. That pricing also places it very close to the larger and more modern Tiguan, which starts around 39,175 euros.

The premium is not about extra space or practicality, it is about character. Inside, the T Roc Cabriolet offers something rare in today’s market, a cabin filled with physical buttons and rotary knobs instead of overwhelming touchscreen menus. Because the convertible version still follows the 2017 interior architecture, drivers get tactile climate controls and even the option to order traditional manual air conditioning. In a market where many vehicles approaching 40,000 euros rely almost entirely on digital interfaces, this simplicity becomes part of the appeal.

Many drivers in Germany appreciate this old school layout. The cabin feels straightforward, intuitive, and distraction free. It also serves as a spiritual successor to the former Volkswagen Eos, blending open roof freedom with a higher driving position that appeals to sport utility vehicle fans.

Looking ahead, Volkswagen Group’s convertible future will likely shift toward electrification. Audi has already discontinued models such as the A5 Convertible, TT, and R8, but future electric concepts hint at a return to open top design. Until then, the T Roc Cabriolet stands as one of the last accessible manual convertibles in Germany, offering a rare combination of open sky driving and mechanical engagement in an era dominated by automation.