Scots ready for new VW GTI Cabrio 23 | 05 | 2012
SCOTLAND'S VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS have opened their order books for the all-new Golf GTi Cabriolet. Prices start at £29,310 and first deliveries are scheduled for July, just in time for the summer sun … hopefully (watch our video of the new VW Golf GTi Cabrio).
Driving the new car for the first time today in Munich, it's clear the car, powered by the same 2.0-litre 207bhp turbocharged engine as found in GTI hatchback, is an impressive package. It's also VW's most powerful production Golf Cabriolet ever.
Mated to either a standard six-speed manual gearbox or optional six-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox, the Cabrio covers the 0-62mph sprint in 7.3secs with either transmission, and the car accelerates on top speed of 147mph (146 DSG).
The manual returns 37.2mpg, the auto is 36.7mpg, while CO2 emissions are 177g/km (180 DSG).
The newcomer benefits from a standard EDS electronic differential lock and XDS transverse differential lock, which helps ensure the power is easily transferred to the road.
The fully electric insulated hood is operated by a switch in the centre console, and can be lowered in 9.5secs at speeds of up to 18mph. Just as importantly in Scotland, when the inevitable shower sweeps in, you can protect yourself in 11.0secs by whipping up the hood.
See more official photos of the all-new Golf GTi Cabrio
The GTI distinguishes itself by dint of the hood lining and roof pillar trims which all finished in black.
The new GTI Cabriolet also carries many of the classic GTI design cues, including honeycomb grille with red edging, while the front bumper includes deep honeycomb air dam and vertical fog lights.
The look is completed by side sill extensions and a rear diffuser which are framed by chrome-tipped exhausts either side. Oh, and there's also smoked LED tail lights.
All UK cars come with standard 18in Shadow Monza alloys.
The interior features individual seats in "good old" Jacara tartan cloth, while the leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, handbrake and gear lever all have contrasting red stitching. The pedals have brushed aluminium caps, while the doors and dashboard feature black ‘Edge’ decorative inlays.
The new Cabrio comes with the inherent safety features all built in. Standard spec includes automatically deploying rollover protection, front and side head/thorax airbags and a driver’s knee airbag as standard, and a five-star (96%) rating for adult occupancy in Euro NCAP crash tests. The ABI insurance rating for the new Golf Cabriolet GTI is 35E.
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Jim McGill