Skip advert
Advertisement

Next Volkswagen T-Roc will be last new petrol VW in Europe

Volkswagen’s internal-combustion engined cars will bow out with the next-generation T-Roc

Volkswagen badge

Volkswagen plans to offer only electric models in Europe from 2033, and doubling down on its transition, the firm has made a big announcement in its strategy for full-electrification by confirming that the next T-Roc will be the last all-new car it will introduce in Europe with a petrol or diesel engine. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

This means, by extension, that the next Golf (or indeed, the car that will replace it, though ID. Golf has been mooted as a potential name for the newcomer) will be all-electric only, and the upcoming Passat and next year’s Tiguan and Touareg will also be among the final ICE launches the brand plans in Europe. 

While Volkswagen could still come out with new internal-combustion engined cars until the early 2030’s, legislation regarding Euro 7 means developing a new engine to comply with the new rules - set to be enforced from 2025, are probably too costly. 

We’re still yet to see the second-generation T-Roc in development, so don’t expect a reveal of VW’s ICE swansong anytime soon, especially considering the facelift of the first-generation model has only just launched. We expect to see the new model sit on an updated version of VW’s MQB platform, which wouldn’t allow for a fully-electric T-Roc but could mean a mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid model joins the range.

Within the VW Group stable, SEAT recently announced it has no plans for electrification. The SEAT Ateca sits on the same platform as the current T-Roc, but no replacement for that car has been spotted testing either. 

What does Volkswagen's all-electric future look like? Take a look at the ID.2all concept....

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Volkswagen ID. Cross Concept review: VW’s new era begins right here
Volkswagen ID. Cross Concept - front

New Volkswagen ID. Cross Concept review: VW’s new era begins right here

Our drive in the Volkswagen ID. Cross Concept shows the brand's electric cars are heading in the right direction
Road tests
5 Dec 2025
Which cars qualify for the Electric Car Grant? Full ECG car list with our best (and worst) picks
Electric car charging mega test - Renault 5 front angled

Which cars qualify for the Electric Car Grant? Full ECG car list with our best (and worst) picks

More than 40 electric cars are now eligible for a Government-funded discount. Which should you go for from the ever-growing list?
News
3 Dec 2025
Gov to pledge £1.3 billion boost to stop EV grant cash running out
Ford Puma Gen-E - front action

Gov to pledge £1.3 billion boost to stop EV grant cash running out

Over 35,000 drivers have already benefitted from at least £52.5 million in grants on electric cars
News
24 Nov 2025
Used Volkswagen Lupo (Mk1, 1999-2005) buyer’s guide: rare city car will turn heads
Used Volkswagen Lupo - front

Used Volkswagen Lupo (Mk1, 1999-2005) buyer’s guide: rare city car will turn heads

A full used buyer's guide on the Volkswagen Lupo that was on sale between 1999 and 2005
Used car tests
17 Nov 2025

Most Popular

New Nissan X-Trail to bring tough new look and e-Power tech in 2027
Nissan X-Trail - 'X-Trail' tailgate badge

New Nissan X-Trail to bring tough new look and e-Power tech in 2027

Critical new SUV will form the backbone of Nissan’s global renaissance, and it can’t come soon enough
News
5 Dec 2025
BMW iX3 review
BMW iX3 50 xDrive - front

BMW iX3 review

A true quantum leap in car design and electric vehicle engineering, the iX3 really is that good
In-depth reviews
4 Dec 2025
Electric car demand slows as Government grant fails to woo buyers
Ford Puma Gen-E - front action

Electric car demand slows as Government grant fails to woo buyers

EV sales rose only marginally in the run-up to the November Budget, compared with the same period last year
News
4 Dec 2025