Currently reading: Geneva motor show 2012: VW Golf GTI cabrio

Volkswagen has launched a GTI version of the new Volkswagen Golf cabriolet at the Geneva motor show

Volkswagen has launched a GTI version of the new Volkswagen Golf cabriolet at the Geneva motor show. It will be available to order in the UK in July ahead of first deliveries in September.

The 207bhp/207lb ft drop-top (VW’s most powerful and first GTI Golf convertible to date), will crack the sprint to 62mph from standing in 7.3sec before reaching a top speed of 147mph (146mph with DSG).

VW claims fuel consumption of 37.2mpg with emissions of 177g/km of Co2. By contrast, the tin-top version of the same car achieves 38.7mpg and 170g/km of Co2.

The hydraulically operated cloth roof takes 9.5 seconds to open and can be operated up to speeds of 18mph.

Features of VW’s hot cabriolet car ape those of the standard GTI’s. These include the model’s red-rimmed radiator grille, GTI bumpers, rear diffuser and 17-inch ‘Monza’ alloys, which are wrapped in 225/45 rubber. Tartan sports seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel also make the list.

With the roof down, the Golf GTI cabriolet’s boot can swallow a class-leading 250 litres; a Mini convertible musters exactly half this figure. Prices are yet to be revealed, but it is expected to cost just over £27,000.

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supermanuel 7 March 2012

Re: VW Golf GTI cabrio uncovered

This is based on the current Golf. Isn't there a new one just months away? I know that the cabrio/convertible has always been behind the standard hatch but it seems almost contrived to release an old shape convertible a few months before a new shape hatch comes out.

Or are they acknowledging that the differences between the two cars will be so negligible that no-one will even notice?

Rich_uk 29 February 2012

Re: VW Golf GTI cabrio uncovered

TegTypeR wrote:
That said, I'd rather have one of these than an Eos any day.

Have you driven the Eos, Teg? I ask because it was on my list of possibilities for my next car. The idea of a folding hardtop kind of appeals!

Mario B 29 February 2012

Re: VW Golf GTI cabrio uncovered

simonali wrote:

Mario B wrote:
...wasn't that branded a GLi?

Nope, there was definitely a GTI version.

Looks like there was a GLi too. I had thought it was intro'd as the GLi as a softer model but with the GTI engine and then became the GTI convertible.