Volkswagen faced ridicule when it introduced the T-Roc Cabriolet in late 2019, but the tables have turned. Sales data from market researcher Dataforce reveals that this unconventional vehicle has emerged as the top-selling choice in the mainstream coupe/convertible segment up until July 2023.

With a total of 8,732 units delivered in the first seven months of 2023, the T-Roc with a folding fabric roof emerged as the undisputed leader in its segment. This marked a significant increase of 9.6 percent compared to the same period last year. In a distant second place was the Mazda MX-5, which experienced an impressive sales surge of 53.9 percent, with 4,570 vehicles sold. Completing the podium was the Alpine A110, a mid-engined and notably pricier option, with a respectable sales figure of 2,155 cars, representing a growth of 16.8 percent.

In the mainstream coupe/convertible segment, the sales figures reveal an interesting picture. One individual opted for a Nissan 370Z, while another chose a Fiat 124. This choice is intriguing considering that the Italian Miata has been discontinued for years. In contrast, the Chevrolet Camaro found its way into the hands of eleven buyers. Moving on to the Toyota/Subaru twins, which have limited availability in Europe, the GR86 boasted an impressive 934 sales, while the BRZ was delivered 327 times. Sandwiched between them was the iconic Supra, with 584 units sold. Finally, the Ford Mustang secured the fourth position, with a notable 1,921 cars finding new owners.

In the premium segment, Dataforce categorizes coupe and cabriolet body styles separately. The Porsche 911 Coupe claimed the top spot in the former category with 8,216 cars, while the MINI One/Cooper Convertible led the latter segment with 13,750 units. This places the VW T-Roc Cabriolet in second position overall, trailing behind the MINI. However, it's important to note that the VW T-Roc Cabriolet's sales figure of 8,732 units is not particularly high, especially when compared to the regular T-Roc, which achieved an impressive volume of 111,855 units during the same period.

Volkswagen manufactures the conventional crossover at its Palmela factory in Portugal, while its two-door counterpart is produced at the Osnabrück plant in Germany. The T-Roc Cabrio stands as a unique model, as Land Rover discontinued the equally unconventional Range Rover Evoque Convertible years ago. Although a second-generation T-Roc is in the works, it remains uncertain whether another cabrio version will be developed, considering the Volkswagen Group's emphasis on investing heavily in electric vehicles.

Source: Automotive News Europe