Next Volkswagen T-Roc to be brand’s final new petrol-powered model

The next Volkswagen T-Roc is set to become the German car maker’s final new petrol-powered model before it commits to an electric version of the popular small SUV from 2033, insiders have revealed to Drive.

The current T-Roc is planned to be succeeded by a second-generation model in 2026, after which point all future new-generation Volkswagens introduced in Europe will be electric, including the next Golf hatchback.

The next T-Roc is planned to share a range of mild-hybrid petrol engines with the new-generation Passat sedan and Tiguan mid-size SUV, as well as a heavily-upgraded version of the current, eighth-generation Golf.

The Passat is set to be unveiled and introduced to European showrooms later this year, while the Tiguan and Golf are being prepared for 2024 launches.

Volkswagen has denied rumours it harbours plans for a new electric small SUV in the mould of the existing T-Roc.

Reports suggesting such a move surfaced recently after Volkswagen filed a trademark registration for the name 'ID. Roc' in Germany.

A Volkswagen representative told Drive that while plans have been established for a successor to the current petrol T-Roc, due in 2026, there are no immediate plans for an electric version of the popular model.

"The move to trademark the ID. Roc name is future-proofing. We don't have immediate plans for an electric T-Roc, but we do see a model like this in the future. The current [petrol] T-Roc is one of our best-selling models, so we will not abandon this segment."

Volkswagen has previously announced an intention to go electric-only in Europe by 2033. VW Australia has said it aims for electric cars to outsell its petrol and diesel vehicles by 2028.