Originally introduced in 1979 on the Golf I platform, Golf Cabriolet garnered significant popularity in the early ‘80s and ‘90s, yet VW subsequently scrapped this much-loved soft-top in 2002. Four years later it reappeared with the hard-top EOS. However, with the EOS no longer available in the South African arena, attention is now firmly focused on this latest convertible. Thus, after 33 years, the spirit of the original Golf convertible lives on.

Viewed from the front, the cabriolet follows the design language of other current Golf models. However, it portrays a sportier image from this perspective because of its deeply raked windscreen. Bi-Xenon headlights add to dynamic front-end visuals.

In roof-down mode – power-assisted and taking just nine seconds – the Golf Cabriolet has an elegant and extended deck-like look from the rear. With roof up, the compact and crisp styling lines around the imaginary C-pillars and the boot reflect the unmistakable Golf lineage and transpose it to a more contemporary era. On the down-side, I found the narrow boot opening not very practical for everyday use.

Inside, the cabin replicates the current Golf sedan, i.e. great finishes and a comfortable and well laid out interior. This results in a level of sophistication otherwise only offered in significantly more expensive counterparts. Seating is comfortable and supportive. However, rear leg room is really limited.

Golf Cabriolet is recognised as being one of the quietest convertibles on the market and it lives up to this claim thanks to the innovative design of the fabric roof, plus new window and door seals. Wind noise is minimal and here VW R&D has really achieved new standards for cabriolet acoustics.

May/June 2012 Issue

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