7 August 2012
Going topless
The first generation Golf Cabriolet based on the Mk1 platform entered the marketplace back in 1979. Another two models followed before production came to an end in 2002, leading to a nine year absence from the market. Volkswagen offered a Beetle Cabriolet to meet customer demand for an open top car, and introduced the EOS with a retractable hard top, giving us little hope of seeing the return of the soft top Golf Cabriolet.
But 2012 sees the return of the once popular model to Volkswagen showrooms. It is based on the MkVI Golf hatchback platform with structural improvements to compensate for the strength that would have been provided by the steel roof.
The 1.4 litre TSI petrol engine with a power output of 90kW and 200Nm of torque is used, along with a seven speed DSG transmission. VW claim a combined fuel consumption of 6.3L per 100km.
Moving around in style
The soft top is lowered into storage position with the touch of a switch in a quick nine seconds. With it neatly tucked away behind the rear seats, it proved ideal for our slow Sunday drive to the beach in style to enjoy the sun and fresh winter air, although on the open road we found it necessary to raise the shelter back up if we were to avoid the onset of hypothermia. The roof can conveniently open and close while on the move but only up to speeds of 30km/h.
The Cabriolet handles pretty well, and although it doesn't claim to hang on like a sports car, it does manage the corners quite comfortably. However, the same cannot be said for its ability to soften the ride over bumps in the road, perhaps due to the stiff chassis.
The designers have done a good job of removing the tin top of the MKVI hatch and turning it into an attractive open car. A fabric top protects the occupants from the elements while a glass screen has been fitted at the rear. A chrome beading lining the base of the cloth cover, which also runs along the bottom of the side windows to the A-pillars, give it a refined finish. The body tapers nicely towards the front and sleek body-lines run the full length of the car.
No more basket handle
Advancements in technology allow for a reinforced A-pillar, along with rollover bars capable of deploying in milliseconds in case of an accident, to be fitted for protection in place of the roll bar found on previous models. This frees up some valuable space and gives the driver better rear visibility.
The interior looks identical to the hatchback with simple and easy to use gadgetry, stainless look accents and cloth seats.
Steel and glass tops have been dominating the roofless market for a decade, but their mechanisms add weight and they take up a lot of space when folded down. The Golf doesn’t suffer from this, with 250 litres of boot space regardless of the roof’s position, while the rear 50:50 split seats can fold to free-up some extra loading options.
Volkswagen New Zealand offer one option to our market, retailing for a competitive $43,000. Exterior features include seventeen-inch alloy wheel rims wrapped in 225/45 tyres, a sport suspension set-up, daytime running lights and rain sensing wipers. Creature comfort features are cruise control, hill hold feature, dual zone climate control with two rear passenger air vents, leather covered steering wheel and cloth seats.
The car achieved a five star Euro NCAP safety rating and has airbags for the driver and front passenger, combined curtain and side airbags at the front. Two ISOFIX child seat fixing points are located at the rear.
Road and wind noise levels are down to a minimum thanks to the good quality roof material used and excellent sealing of the windows and doors. It’s one of the best cars in its class where soft top wind and weather tightness is concerned.
There is just enough seating to squeeze two passengers in at the rear, and while it may not be the most practical car to own, it's fun to drive and this alone will attract buyers looking for a sassy open top car.
With a price difference of around $15,000 compared to the retractable hard top VW EOS, it looks like the more attractive option.