From finer cloth: Cabriolet
BACK after an eight-year absence, the cloth-topped Golf Cabriolet completes Volkswagen's new model onslaught for 2011.
VALUE the Cabrio mirrors the $29,490 Comfortline hatchback for engine and features but is priced from $36,990 for the six-speed manual, $2500 more for the DSG twin-clutch automated manual.
Among the features are 17-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and trip computer controls, cruise control, Bluetooth (which proved difficult to link with some devices), six-speaker audio system and dual-zone climate control.
The options include satnav ($3000), leather trim ($3300), bi-xenon headlights ($2100), metallic paint ($500) and alarm ($600). Parking sensors front and rear, teamed with a camera, can also be added for $1400 once you’ve ticked the satnav option box.
TECHNOLOGY VW’s proven turbocharged and supercharged 1.4-litre (118kW/240Nm) provides propulsion. It’s a de-tuned version of the Polo GTI’s 132kW/250Nm engine.
The absence of a roof has been offset by diagonal braces at each corner, as well as reinforcing within the side-sills and around the engine bay, which makes the convertible about 150kg heavier than the equivalent Comfortline hatch.
The electric roof, which accounts for 52kg of that, folds in nine seconds, removing the need for a tonneau. It can be operated at up to 30km/h.
DESIGN the "strawberry basket" look of earlier incarnations has gone, the rollbar is absent but the nose is familiar. the rear is fairly straight and conventional in its look, with a stumpy deck and new-look tail-lights. It’s a conservative, clean design but no headturner. inside is largely carry-over from the hatch – low-key and functional.SAFETY the five-star safety rated Golf Cabrio has anti-lock brakes with brakeforce distribution and emergency assist, stability and traction control. Having lost the rollbar from behind the front occupants’ shoulders, it has a pop-up rollover safety system that springs from behind the rear head restraints.
There are five airbags – dual front, front-side and a driver’s knee bag – and auto-dimming rear-vision mirror, automatic wipers and headlights. the rear seatbacks fold down to open up the 250-litre boot space, which is not compromised by the top.DRIVE There’s much to like about dropping the top on a Golf. It feels as though the structure has enough rigidity to avoid judders over nasty bumps and the suspension provides decent ride comfort.
Handling from the sports suspension is competent without scaring the GTI or R models through corners. VW says it has no plans for those badges on the drop-top, although a higher-output petrol engine and a turbo diesel are under consideration.
Meanwhile, the $51K folding hardtop Eos stablemate continues with the GTI engine.
The cabrio’s chassis could certainly do with a little more pep. the 1.4 works hard and delivers in a smooth fashion though the extra weight certainly blunts performance. the drivetrain does the job for those more interested in cruising or posing. If you’re in a hurry, be prepared to work the gearbox a little more.
Even when shunting the little ragtop along at brisk country road speeds, the wind buffeting in the cabin over the more sharply raked windscreen failed to ruffle longer-haired occupants when all four windows were raised.
Taller drivers might be looking to go a little lower with the height-adjustable driver’s seat, as the top edge of the windscreen is closer than is ideal, but reach-and-rake adjustable steering makes a decent driving position achievable. Rear seats will be for tweens-and-under, unless the four adults attempting topless transport are vertically challenged – a short trip in the rear with the roof down could be done without serious discomfort but no further.
The manual transmission allows the little 1.4 to be stirred up for brisker progress but the clutch is on the lifeless side and the take-up point is high.
VERDICT Smooth, comfortable and not unattractive, the new Golf Cabrio won’t take sales from the hot hatches in its own family. However it might give second thoughts to those contemplating an Eos ($49,990), Audi A3 ($50,500) or BMW 1 Series ($53,200) ragtop. At a glanceVW Golf Cabriolet TSIRating: 3.5 StarsPrice: from $36,990Resale: 54 per cent (est)Warranty: 3 years/ unlimited kmService: 12 months/ 15,000kmSafety: 5-star Euro NCAP, ABS, BA, stability and traction control, hill start assistEngine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder supercharged petrol, 118kW/240NmTransmission: 6-speed manual, 7-speed DSG automated manual; front-wheel driveDimensions: 4337mm (L), 1423mm (H), 1782mm (W)Weight: 1424kg (DSG 1443kg)Thirst 6.6L/100km, 155g/km CO2, tank 55L