Latching device for a vehicle roof

A top catch (1) of a vehicle has a locking hook (3) in a - viewed in cross section preferably U-shaped - gate plate (10) via guide means (pin 8, pin 9) from a closed position to an open position at a defined path (41) is movably arranged. A gear motor (4) is provided for pivoting a drive lever (15), which stands in connection with the locking hook (3). The compound of the locking hook (3) to the drive lever (15) is hingedly interconnected by a plurality of levers (11, 12, 13). The motorized top closure with a compact space-saving design has a locking hook with a greater range of motion, so that a greater distance from the windshield frame is obtained in the open position.