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Week at the wheel: Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet. Image by Volkswagen.

Week at the wheel: Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet
A legend re-invented, the new Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet arrives to shake up the small convertible market.

   



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| Week at the Wheel | Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet |

Overall rating: 4 4 4 4 4

The new Golf Cabriolet is a return to form for VW. After the rather lacklustre Eos, the Golf is brimming with character and heritage, and if you want a four-seat convertible, is actually rather good.

Key Facts

Model tested: Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet GT 1.4 TSI DSG
Pricing: £26,595 (£29,745 as tested)
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol
Transmission: seven-speed twin-clutch automatic, front-wheel drive
Body style: two-door cabriolet
Rivals: Audi A3, Peugeot 308 CC, Renault Mégane CC
CO2 emissions: 148g/km
Combined economy: 44.8mpg
Top speed: 134mph
0-62mph: 8.4 seconds
Power: 157bhp at 5,800rpm
Torque: 177lb.ft at 1,500rpm

Inside & Out: 4 4 4 4 4

The Volkswagen Golf is such a successful product for the firm that the designers have little room for experimentation. And despite losing its roof, the Cabriolet is little different - it remains clearly linked to the hatchback it's based on. Still, that means it's neatly proportioned and detailed, while the addition of the canvas roof - up or down - does little to alter the image.

It's much the same story inside, the only real differences being the frameless windows and the controls for the roof. That means it's solid, comfortable and relatively spacious.

Ride & Handling: 3 3 3 3 3

Our car might have been fitted with winter wheels and high-profile rubber (not in the pictures!), but that didn't stop it fidgeting on its sports springs at motorway speeds. It's not unbearable, but as a cabriolet it should be more adept at comfortable cruising rather than trying to be like a mini-GTI.

Still, like any other Golf the steering is pleasantly weighted and reasonably accurate, though leaning too hard on the chassis will only highlight some understeer. There's plenty of adjustment in both the seat and wheel, though the chunky C-pillars of the fabric roof and smaller rear screen restrict visibility somewhat.

Engine & Transmission: 4 4 4 4 4

In terms of performance, the VW range of TSI engines seems to do no wrong, and this 157bhp 1.4-litre unit is no different. Smooth, refined and linear in its power delivery, it's only when you look at the speedometer you realise just how flexible it is - punching far above its weight.

Combined with the excellent seven-speed twin clutch DSG gearbox, it makes for rapid acceleration, and each shift slots home with barely a change in forward momentum. It all makes for a 0-62mph time of only 8.4 seconds, while the well-spread ratios make for impressive in-gear punch.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money: 4 4 4 4 4

At nearly £30,000 with the options fitted to our test car, the Golf Cabriolet GT is not a cheap option. However, it is generously equipped, with cruise control, Bluetooth, iPod connection, climate control and 18-inch alloys fitted as standard. Residuals should prove stronger than the Peugeot 308 CC's as well, while VW dealers are renowned for customer service.


Graeme Lambert - 5 Jan 2012



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2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet. Image by Volkswagen.2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet. Image by Volkswagen.2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet. Image by Volkswagen.2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet. Image by Volkswagen.2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet. Image by Volkswagen.

2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet. Image by Volkswagen.2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet. Image by Volkswagen.2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet. Image by Volkswagen.2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet. Image by Volkswagen.2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet. Image by Volkswagen.



2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet. Image by Volkswagen.
 

2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet. Image by Volkswagen.
 

2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet. Image by Volkswagen.
 

2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet. Image by Volkswagen.
 

2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet. Image by Volkswagen.
 

2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet. Image by Volkswagen.
 

2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet. Image by Volkswagen.
 






 

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