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
Alastair Crooks, Staff writer Auto Express
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.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

The Volkswagen Caravelle is back! Multivan name dropped as MPV range gets revamp
VW Caravelle Life - front 3/4

The Volkswagen Caravelle is back! Multivan name dropped as MPV range gets revamp

Dropped nameplate returns alongside updates to people carrier and campervan siblings
News
11 Jun 2026
VW electric cars will soon be as cheap to build as its petrol ones
Volkswagen ID.3 - front cornering

VW electric cars will soon be as cheap to build as its petrol ones

VW Group CEO Oliver Blume reveals cost-cutting solutions for delayed SSP platform
News
4 Jun 2026
Cars are like horses: people will soon realise EVs are just better, claims VW boss
Volkswagen ID Polo - front

Cars are like horses: people will soon realise EVs are just better, claims VW boss

VW’s sales and marketing boss reckons people will move to EVs organically, just as they did with ICE cars in the early 20th century
News
2 Jun 2026
Which cars qualify for the electric car grant? Full ECG 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 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
21 May 2026

Most Popular

Electric car charging costs review launched by government
Electric car charging mega test - charging overhead

Electric car charging costs review launched by government

Government report to address concerns over long-term cost of EV charging
News
10 Jun 2026
Best cars to own: Driver Power 2026 results
Driver Power 2026 header

Best cars to own: Driver Power 2026 results

The winners and losers in the UK's biggest automotive consumer survey. It’s the 2026 Driver Power results
News
10 Jun 2026
Car Deal of the Day: Big-battery Vauxhall Frontera for a low £135 a month
Vauxhall Frontera Electric UK - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Big-battery Vauxhall Frontera for a low £135 a month

The Vauxhall Frontera Electric is a lot of car for not much cash. It’s our Deal of the Day for 10 June.
News
10 Jun 2026

Find a car with the experts