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

Volkswagen’s culling of 75 models by 2035 was inevitable, says CEO
Volkswagen Polo - front cornering

Volkswagen’s culling of 75 models by 2035 was inevitable, says CEO

Brand boss Thomas Schäfer says halving the number of models made by the VW Group is part of a “natural transition”
News
14 Oct 2026
Retro cars get boring fast, says Volkswagen design boss
Volkswagen ID. Buzz - front cornering

Retro cars get boring fast, says Volkswagen design boss

While VW’s latest cars play off customers’ nostalgia and love for the brand, the brand has avoided going quite as retro as rival Renault
News
12 Oct 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

In excess of 60 electric cars are now eligible for a Government-funded discount. Which should you go for from the ever-growing list?
News
8 Oct 2026
The VW Group needs SEAT, so killing it would be madness!
Rutherford on SEAT

The VW Group needs SEAT, so killing it would be madness!

Mike Rutherford believes that SEAT should become the group’s budget brand while Skoda and Cupra move further upmarket
Opinion
27 Sep 2026

Most Popular

Volkswagen’s culling of 75 models by 2035 was inevitable, says CEO
Volkswagen Polo - front cornering

Volkswagen’s culling of 75 models by 2035 was inevitable, says CEO

Brand boss Thomas Schäfer says halving the number of models made by the VW Group is part of a “natural transition”
News
14 Oct 2026
Car Deal of the Day: Hyundai Ioniq 3 at £206 per month will get the neighbours talking
Hyundai Ioniq 3 - front action

Car Deal of the Day: Hyundai Ioniq 3 at £206 per month will get the neighbours talking

The Ioniq 3 is one of a new crop of affordable EVs. It’s our Deal of the Day for 15 October.
News
15 Oct 2026
New Land Rover Defender Sport spotted tearing it up on the Nürburgring
New Land Rover Defender Sport - Nürburgring front 3/4

New Land Rover Defender Sport spotted tearing it up on the Nürburgring

The new baby 4x4 is now likely to be revealed in 2027, and our exclusive image previews how it could look
News
15 Oct 2026

Find a car with the experts