Fastest-ever Golf Cabrio 18 | 02 | 2013
VOLKSWAGEN UNVEILED ITS fastest-ever production open-top Golf, the new Golf R Cabriolet, in Monaco today (see more photos of the new VW Golf R Cabrio in Monaco today). Available to order from March 5, first deliveries of the £38,770 soft-top are expected at Scottish dealerships in May.
Powered by a version of the same four-cylinder, turbocharged 262bhp 2.0-litre engine found in the Golf R hatchback, the cabrio is capable of scorching from standstill to 62mph in 6.4secs. It has an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph.
Power to the front wheels are channelled through a standard six-speed DSG gearbox. The fully automatic roof, which can be lowered at speeds up to 18mph, opens in 9secs and can be raised in 11.5s.
The fully-electric insulated roof hood is operated by a switch in the centre console. Both the hood lining and roof pillar trims are finished in black.
The Golf R Cabrio, which achieved a five-star ENCAP crash test rating for adult occupancy, delivers 34.4mpg and emits 190g/km CO2.
It also benefits from rollover protection, which deploys automatically in the event of an accident, plus front and side head/thorax airbags. Just for good measure, there's also a driver's knee airbag all as standard.
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The Golf R Cabrio is instantly identifiable thanks to its bespoke front bumper with gloss-black grille and R logo, LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon headlights with black housings, gloss-black door mirror casings and black-painted brake callipers with R logo.
It also gets new side sill extensions, a gloss black rear diffuser framed by chrome-tipped exhaust either side, and smoked LED tail lights.
Cars which will enter UK showrooms on May come with standard 19in Talladega alloys in either Sterling Silver, or the optional High-Gloss Black. Both are shod with 235/35 tyres.
Inside the cabin, there are four individual leather sports seats. The leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, handbrake grip and gear lever all have contrasting grey stitching.
And while the doors and dashboard have black 'Silver Lane' aluminium decorative inlays, the pedals have brushed aluminium caps.
The Golf R Cabrio — which is available in a choice of four colours, Pure White, Deep Black Pearl Effect, Reflex Silver and Rising Blue — is 4266mm long, 2044mm wide, 1453mm high and 2578mm wheelbase.
While the Golf R Cabrio starts at £38,770, it's worth highlighting you can also snap up an entry-level S 1.2TSI 102bhp Golf Cabrio for £21,040. The cheapest GTI Cabrio, the 207bhp 2.0TSI, can be yours for £30,765.
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Jim McGill