We haven’t seen a Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet since production of the drop-top version of the Golf 4 ended in 2002. The Eos Cabriolet was then launched to replace it, but VW soon realised that a folding hard top on a relatively small car can create a somewhat expensive (and compromised) product. And so, with nostalgic pleasure, VW has brought back the ever-popular Golf Cabriolet.
There is no two ways about it: this car is geared towards a more feminine market. In fact, when we asked who would buy this car on our Facebook page, about 90 per cent of men said they would not buy it for themselves. Some mentioned they would consider buying it for their wives or girlfriends, though. Like the Golf 4 Cabriolet, this car appeals to a market that does not look for performance or aggressive looks.
On the local launch in Cape Town and the surrounding Winelands, I found the ride a bit stiff. The 17-inch low-profile tyres on the 118 kW version don’t help with this, either. However, the seats are comfortable and wind noise is minimal, especially with the wind diffuser erected. In fact, the only thing that caused any discomfort was the harsh African sun, which saw a few of the other journalists opting to put the roof back up, which takes all of 11 seconds and 9 seconds to fold down. The roof can be operated at speeds of up to 30 km/h. One feature this car could do with is a cooling function for the seats, not just the heating function standard on the Highline model’s leather-upholstered seats.
The steering is spot on in its direct feel and weighting, and scuttle shake is kept to a minimum. There were no rattles or vibrations; I could very well have been in a car with a roof.
Powered by a 1,4-litre turbocharged engine, the entry-level drop-top is available in Comfortline trim level. This model produces 90 kW and 200 N.m of torque. You can opt for a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed DSG transmission, both of which will take you to 100 km/h in 10,5 seconds and to a top speed of 197 km/h. It boasts a fuel consumption of 6,3 litres/100 km and 6,4 litres/100 km respectively, the same as the Highline. The latter, which uses turbo- and supercharging, puts out 118 kW and 240 N.m of torque, reaches 100 km/h in 8,4 seconds and has a top speed of 216 km/h.
It’s safe to say that Audi now has a real competitor for its A3 Cabriolet. The two cars may share a platform but they certainly don’t share a pricetag, with the Golf coming in at R283 400, almost R60 000 less than the cheapest A3 Cab. My prediction is that this car is going to sell very well, especially in Cape Town…
Prices:
VW Golf Cabriolet 1,4 TSI Comfortline R283 400
VW Golf Cabriolet 1,4 TSI Comfortline DSG R297 900
VW Golf Cabriolet 1,4 TSI Highline R324 000
VW Golf Cabriolet 1,4 TSI Highline DSG R338 500
Specifications
Model: Golf Cabriolet 1,4 TSI Comfortline
Engine: 1,4-litre, four-cylinder petrol
Power: 90 kW at 5 000 r/min
Torque: 200 N.m at 1 500 – 4000 r/min
0-100 km/h: 10,5 seconds
Fuel consumption: 6,4 l/100 km
CO2: 149 g/km
Top speed: 197 km/h
3-year/120 000 warranty and 5-year/90 000 service plan
Service intervals: 15 000 km