What's the news?

Volkswagen has released details of the Golf R Cabriolet, the company's first open 'R' model, which is also billed as the fastest production soft-top Golf yet. The factory performance figures are 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds and a top speed limited to 155mph. Priced at £38,770 the Cabriolet is available to order from this spring.

Exterior

Aside from the drop-top body the appearance is similar to the Golf R hatchback with a new front bumper, sill extensions and rear diffuser. Unlike the hatchback the exhausts emerge from the sides of the diffuser rather than the centre. There are also 'R' logos, Xenon headlamps and smoked LED tail lights.

Suspension is lowered by 25mm compared with the standard Cabriolet and customers can choose between 18- or 19-inch wheels in either silver or black. Behind the wheels the brake callipers are painted red and wear the 'R' logo.

Interior

The same logo appears on the headrests of the 'Vienna Cool Leather' sports seats. More hide is used to wrap the steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake all finished with contrasting grey stitching. Aluminium trim decorates the dashboard and doors, co-ordinating with the brushed aluminium pedal caps.

Mechanicals

Under the bonnet a 2.0-litre, turbocharged engine provides 265hp to a six-speed DSG automatic transmission as standard.

Anything else?

As with all Golf Cabriolets the fabric hood is power operated and can be lowered, so Volkswagen says, in 9.5 seconds at speeds up to 18mph. Raising the hood takes slightly longer at 11.0 seconds. If you don't fancy the full-blown R model the Cabriolet range is available with a choice of engines starting at £21,040.

John Lambert - 11 Feb 2013