What is it?
We've seen the VW Golf Cabriolet before, but until now the hottest version was powered by a 160hp 1.4 TSI engine. Now you can enjoy wind in the hair motoring aided by the GTI's 210hp 2.0-litre turbocharged motor instead. There's even some retro-looking cloth (even if it's not quite the Interlagos design) on the inside, and the fabric roof folds away in less than 10 seconds.
Why's it here?
It's here because everyone loves a good GTI, especially ones wearing a VW roundel. In fact, the prospect of a car with the all-round appeal of a Golf GTI but with a fabric roof is one that fills us with glee. Roll on the summer.
Show stopper or floor filler?
To many it will be a floor filler, especially with the host of other machinery on show at the Volkswagen stand. However Europe, and in particular the UK, is incredibly fond of soft top cars, so we'd expect to see plenty of these stopping people in the street, if not the exhibition hall.
Graeme Lambert - 7 Mar 2012