What’s new: Following the Cabriolet’s return in 2011 and shortly before the unveiling of the next-generation Golf this month, VW‘s lower medium hatch has a last hurrah, as the flagship GTI hot hatch is now available as a drop-top.
Excellent: Build quality is top notch and RVs sit at a solid 35.9%. GTI fans will appreciate the small flashes of red trim, honeycomb grille and tartan cloth seats.
Good: You’d expect decent kit and the GTI delivers. DAB radio, Bluetooth, climate and cruise control, and auto lights and wipers are all standard. All Golf Cabriolets have an electric folding roof too.
Average: It’s a handsome little convertible but the cabin is a bit drab in comparison to the exterior. At 7.3 seconds the GTI Cabriolet is also 0.4 seconds slower to 62mph than the hatchback.
Poor: The ride is quite uncomfortable and next to the hatch it has a bit of a damp squib image. It’s also expensive at 37.2mpg, 177g/km and 71.9ppm.
Verdict: Purists and the odd privileged fleet driver will favour the hatchback GTI, while those after a brisk, poser’s convertible may appreciate the drop-top.
