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

UK 2030 petrol and diesel sales ban: what is it and what cars are affected?
fuel pump

UK 2030 petrol and diesel sales ban: what is it and what cars are affected?

The ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars is set to be introduced in 2030, we explain what it means for you and your motor
Tips & advice
18 Jun 2026
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

Most Popular

New Land Rover Defender Sport: baby SUV hedges bets with EV and hybrid power
New baby Land Rover Defender render - watermarked

New Land Rover Defender Sport: baby SUV hedges bets with EV and hybrid power

The new Land Rover Defender Sport will sit below the existing Defender in both size and price, and our exclusive image previews how it could look
News
17 Jun 2026
New BMW i3 on sale now: electric 3 Series finally ready to take on Tesla Model 3
BMW i3 50 xDrive - front 3/4

New BMW i3 on sale now: electric 3 Series finally ready to take on Tesla Model 3

Are you watching Tesla, Polestar, Audi and Mercedes? The new BMW i3 is here setting new standards with its huge 563-mile range
News
18 Jun 2026
New Honda Super-N 2026 review: little EV is fun and full of character
Honda Super-N and Richard Ingram

New Honda Super-N 2026 review: little EV is fun and full of character

Honda's quirky Super-N is compromised on paper, but in reality it's a fun and efficient small EV
Road tests
19 Jun 2026

Find a car with the experts