Golf GTI Cabriolet – Photos and Info

Volkswagen decided to release their Golf GTI Cabriolet before its official presentation at the Geneva Motor Show. As expected, the new Cabrio combines elements from the Golf GTI and the Golf Cabriolet (which is pretty much what Bugatti did with their Veyron Vitesse).

The new Golf will be powered by the same GTI hatchback engine: the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder that delivers 210PS. The transmission is either a six speed manual or a six speed DSG. The automatic one shaves 1 mph off the top speed, leaving it with 146 mph. The acceleration to 62 is done in 7.3 seconds. This car also features electronic limited slip-differential, 17-inch alloy wheels and a power folding fabric roof that folds back in just 9.5 seconds at speeds of up to 18 mph.

Maximum torque is 207 lb-ft, and can be achieved from 1700 rpm to 5300 rpm. Thanks to the broad torque range, the Golf GTI Cabriolet is an excellent cruiser even at low revs.

Safety was as important for the Volkswagen engineers as was the performance. The car comes with automatically deploying rollover protection, front and side head/thorax airbags and driver’s knee airbag, which make for a five-star Euro NCAP rating.

We’ll probably find out the official release date (it’s going to be sometime in the second half of the year) at the Geneva Motor Show from next week.