The 2011 Geneva Motor Show will mark the return of the Cabriolet nameplate to the Golf range after an almost decade-long hiatus. Based on the underpinnings of the latest generation Golf hatchback, the two-door four-seater features a soft top with an electro-hydraulic drive that can be raised or lowered in only 9.5 seconds. The process can also be performed during driving at speeds of up to 30 km/h.
The exterior styling is similar to the three-door Golf Mk6, which is sold in European markets, with the Cabriolet featuring a unique rear section, lower profile roof line and more swept-back angle of its front windscreen frame. Whereas previous Golf Cabriolets featured a fixed central rollbar, VW’s newcomer gets a pop-up rollover protection system similar to the one found on its sister Audi model, the A3 Convertible. Minus the four-seat layout, the Cabriolet’s interior is identical to that of the hatchback.
The Golf Cabriolet measures 4 215 mm in length, 1 424 mm in height and 1 779 mm in width, meaning its 208 mm shorter than the Eos hardtop convertible. However, the two models share a 2 578 mm wheelbase, resulting in the same interior space for all four passengers. According to Volkswagen, with the roof down, the Cabriolet offers 250-litres of boot space.
In Europe, the convertible version of the Golf will be available with a choice of six turbocharged direct-injection engines whose power outputs range from 77 kW to 155 kW. These include four petrols (1.2-litre TSI 77 kW, 1.4-litre TSI 90 kW, 1.4-liter TSI 120 kW and 2.0-liter TSI 155 kW), and two diesels (1.6-liter TDI 77 kW and 2.0-liter TDI 105 kW). The most fuel efficient version is the 1.6 TDI with 77 kW and BlueMotion Technology, which consumes 4.4 L/100 km and emits 117 g/km of CO2.
In Germany, the order books open today with prices starting at €23.625. There’s been no word from Volkswagen South Africa on whether the new Golf Cabriolet will be offered locally.
