Concept vehicles aren't necessarily one of Volkswagen's->ke94 strong suits but every so often, it builds one that people can't help but appreciate.

That's what the T-Roc Concept has done to us, at least for the most part. Built and designed as a crossover->ke288 concept with the characteristics of a cabriolet -- the roof is detachable, mind you -- the T-Roc Concept offers us a glimpse of what a future crossover cabriolet could look like if it carried a VW badge.

The exterior design of the T-Roc Concept is definitely worth your attention, although how much of it would be found in a production model is a question only Volkswagen can answer in due time.

For now, though, we can all sit back and appreciate this concept for what it really is: a preview of a model that could arrive sooner rather than later, if Volkswagen realizes it has a real winner in the T-Roc.

Click past the jump to read more about Volkswagen T-Roc

2014 Volkswagen T-ROC

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Volkswagen T-ROC
  • Segment: Array
  • Engine/Motor: 2.0 TDI
  • Horsepower: 181
  • Torque: 280
  • Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Surely, a name as awesome as "T-Roc" needs a design that suits it, right?

Thankfully, the team at Volkswagen Design were more than capable in delivering on that end. The front of the Volkswagen T-Roc is incredibly attractive. Maybe its the new 3D grille designed with large, honeycomb-shaped openings that does the trick. Maybe its the creative way Volkswagen integrated those LED lights into the one-piece grille, or how those round headlight modules between the grille and the lower air inlet harken back to Volkswagens of old. Maybe its the the clean and powerful stance of the crossover concept as a whole, defined by sharp lines and contours that give the T-Roc a coupe-like look.

Let's also not forget about the concept's removable roof, or the aluminum strip that runs out into the the C pillars, making the concept look lower than it really is.

And finally, the rear end design of the T-Roc also speaks to the concept's sharp design, specifically in how Volkswagen utilized a bunch of sporty characteristics, highlighted by the presence of a high-gloss black roof spoiler, three-dimensional LED taillights with aluminum elements and an integrated rear camera that lets you see all that's behind you without cramping your neck.

2014 Volkswagen T-Roc - Exterior Specification

Length (In.)

164.5

Width (In.)

72.0

Height (In.)

59.0

Curb Weight (lbs)

3130.5

Wheelbase (In.)

102.1

Overhangs F/R (In.)

31/30

Track Widths F/R (In.)

62/61


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Interior

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There's not a whole lot of anything to look at as far as the interior of the T-Roc is concerned.

Blue and anthracite commonly find themselves into the stylistic design of the T-Roc The dash, in particular, has been dressed in a "Blue-Splash Metallix shade, fully complementing the door accent strips, the trim panel of the center console and the trim accents of the leather-trimmed steering wheel that are arranged in the shape of wings and designed in an "Adamantium Dark" finish.

The T-Roc also boasts of a 12.3-inch color display that can be used depending on what driving mode the crossover concept has, be it "Street," "Offroad," or "Snow." Furthermore, the T-Roc makes good use of the infotainment screen, a touchscreen table that comes with a multi-touch display that can be easily configured based on the concept's specific function.

A brilliant and high-resolution AMOLED display can also be found integrated into the center console, automatically regulating the temperature and fan settings as well as the air distribution for this setting, among its many functions.

Drivetrain

The Volkswagen T-Roc is powered by a 2.0-liter TDI engine that produces 181 PS (177 horsepower) and 380 Nm (280 pound-feet) of torque, impressive enough numbers that allow the concept to ht a top speed of 130 mph.

2014 Volkswagen T-Roc – Drivetrain Specification

Engine

2.0 TDI

Output (HP @ RPM)

177 @ TBA

Torque (FT-LB @ RPM)

280 @ 1,750

Transmission

7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG)

Emission (g/km CO2)

129

Top Speed (mph)

130


Competitors

2014 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet}]

The 2014 Murano CrossCabriolet retains the same look that it's always had, complete with a cloth top opens and closes at the push of the button. With the top down, the stowed size is similar to that of a conventional two-seat roadster. It doesn’t eat too much into the trunk either, leaving a decent is 7.6 cubic feet to play with.

Like most other premium Nissans, the Murano CrossCabriolet is offered with High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon projector headlights with auto on/off function, front fog lights and Nissan 370Z-inspired LED taillights.

Power comes in the form of a 3.5-liter, 24-valve, V-6 engine that delivers a total of 265 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque.

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2014 Range Rover Evoque Cabrio

Should the Volkswagen T-Roc Concept find itself into production in the future, it's going to compete with a handful of specific vehicles, including the Range Rover Evoque Cabrio that features its own folding textile roof‎, wrapped in a two-door version configuration.

When the Evoque Cabrio does find itself into production, it's reasonable to expect the vhielce to see the same engines as in the fixed roof version, which means a new 2.0-liter, Si4 turbocharged engine that combines direct fuel injection and twin variable valve timing for a total output of 240 horsepower.

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Conclusion

Volkswagen has made no announcements on whether the T-Roc Concept has a future as a production model or not. But for what it's worth, it does look like VW knows what its doing and if there is a favorable response to the concept at the Geneva Motor Show, we could see a production version -- or at least one based on the T-Roc Concept -- hit dealerships in the near future.

We can all hope, right?