VW Golf GTI Cabriolet01 | 06 | 2012Scotcars rating

    VW's new Golf GTi Cabriolet raises the bar yet higher as iconic soft-top gets even better

    IT'S DIFFICULT TO THINK of something clever and innovative to say about Volkswagen's all-new Golf GTi Cabriolet. It's a VW Golf: it's a GTi and it's a cabriolet. That basically sums it up perfectly. Oh, and first deliveries arrive in Scottish dealerships next month.

    We all know the Golf is the benchmark for other cars in its class, and the GTi remains the best handling and performance package in its price range. Adding an electric-folding roof is just the icing on the cake really.

    And as with the hatch, power delivery is smooth: mated to the standard six-speed manual gearbox — an auto DSG box with paddleshift is also available as an option — it feels as quick as its 7.3sec 0-62mph time suggests. And I know it's fast: my exuberantly youthful co-driver nudged the speedo to 235km/h — that's 146mph — during a dash on the unrestricted autobahn.

    Powered by the same 208bhp, 2.0-litre TFSI engine as found in the hardtop GTi, the drop-top version of the MkVI elevates the bar still higher for those who will follow.

    On a cloudy and hazy day in Munich, I covered 300kms with the roof down — ok, a few of those had the roof up, just so I could tell you it's well soundproofed with the soft-top raised — and I have to tell you, the car's a stonker.

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    No matter how often you slide yourself behind the wheel of a Golf GTi, you'll find yourself smiling. And once you get out on to the quiet country roads — yes, we did head into the German countryside after a blast along the autobahn — the cabriolet really comes alive.

    Beautifully balanced in terms of precise handling and power delivery, the GTi cabrio — which follows the launch of the excellent city car, the VW up! —oozes class. And it's a hoot to drive.

    Standard across the range is VW's XDS differential which provides good grip levels, and means the cabriolet corners flatly at speed.

    And as with the hatch, power delivery is smooth: mated to the standard six-speed manual gearbox — an auto DSG box with paddleshift is also available as an option — it feels as quick as its 7.3sec 0-62mph time suggests.

    And I know it's fast: my exuberantly youthful co-driver nudged the speedo to 235km/h — that's 146mph — during a dash on the unrestricted autobahn.

    Scots get ready for all-new Golf GTi Cabrio

    Cleverly, as is the case with the hardtop, VW has given the cabrio a 'sound generator' which results in the exhaust delivering a mild 'pop' every time you change gear. Don't worry, it's nothing like the big exhaust box fitted to your local "Subaru Impreza Boy Racer's" car, and with the roof down the sound is actually quite pleasing.

    Talking of the roof, it tucks itself away with the push of a button in just 9.5 seconds and can be raised or lowered at speeds of up to 18mph.

    Just as importantly in Scotland, when the inevitable shower sweeps in, you can protect yourself in 11.0secs by whipping up the hood.

    The GTI distinguishes itself by dint of the hood lining and roof pillar trims which all finished in black. There's also additional classic GTI design cues, including honeycomb grille with red edging, while the front bumper includes deep honeycomb air dam and vertical foglights.

    The look is completed by side sill extensions and a rear diffuser which are framed by chrome-tipped exhausts either side. Oh, and there's also smoked LED tail lights. All UK cars come with standard 18in Shadow Monza alloys.

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    The cabriolet's steeply raked windscreen means the soft-top actually looks sleeker than its hardtop family member.

    Rear access is a bit of a squeeze, but more often than not, these cars are used only by the driver and front passenger. But once positioned in their seats, rear passengers have adequate space.

    The cabin is typical VW: solid, dependable and beautifully styled. Seating too is supportive, thanks to clever bolstering, and the seats are covered with VW's classic GTi tartan. Leather's available as an option, but I'd stick with the cloth.

    VW dealers have already opened their order books. Prices start at £29,310 — that's a rather hefty £3600 more than the hatchback — and first deliveries are expected in July.

    Worth noting, perhaps, that the ‘standard’ Golf Cabriolet range costs from £20,890 for the entry-level Cabriolet S 1.2TSI 103bhp and rises to £27,385 for the GT 2.0TDI with BlueMotion Technology and DSG gearbox

    So, there you have it: the VW Golf GTi Cabriolet. Do I need to say anything else?

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    Jim McGill

    Quick Stats
    Price OTR/As Tested £29,310 / £33,475
    Engine / Power: 1984cc 4cyl turbocharged petrol / 208bhp
    How fast?: 0-62mph 7.3secs / Max 147mph
    How big/heavy?: L4246mm W1782mm H1423mm / Weight 1533g
    How thirsty/CO2?: 37.2mpg combined / 177g/km CO2
    InsGP/Road tax: n/a / n/a
    Alternatives: Audi TT Roadster, BMW 1 Series Cabrio, Peugeot 308 CC

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