We have been over 35 years testing all kinds of Golf ... but we needed one that would combine GTI with the body of a convertible. The result we have been testing around Munich, Germany. Finally we have tested the version of the Golf GTI Cabrio, specifically, in this first contact we have covered a distance of 210 km linking, back and forth, the Munich airport to Lake Tegernsee. A route that has consisted of a first sector of 130 km, of which 45 km were on the motorway and other on minor roads that passed between people. Around the airport was 90 km, half highway, half side-roads. But recap a bit ...

After summer 2011, Volkswagen began marketing the Volkswagen Golf VI Cabrio body -built in plant in the former coachbuilder Karmann. It was a model that, in principle, seem 'redundant' within the VW range... because there was already another convertible in the supply of the German brand, but called EOS... and with hardtop. And while the EOS is a separate model of Golf, in fact it shares much of the platform, front design, interior and engines. Furthermore, the retractable hardtop is a great idea of isolation ... but because of its size and operating system remains not much for the boot space or rear seats and increases the final price and weight.

Volkswagen therefore came to the the decision to launch the Golf Cabrio, passing along the tradition of telling, almost always, in the Golf range with this type of bodywork.

Now, the Golf Cabrio mentioned in the range is complemented by a new version who receive nothing less than the name 'GTI ', which entails, among other things, a powerful turbo diesel engine of 211 hp .


Exterior design. Take off the roof of the Golf GTI for 4010 euros!

The Golf cabrio maintains a sleek design, more authentic than the Eos, thanks to the canvas roof. The exterior trim of the GTI version are easy to find: the front grille of honeycomb, the dual exhaust rear bumper and rear front specific design, the brake calipers in red or alloy wheels of 17".


Interior design.

Inside retains the plaid upholstery called "Nyco" WGI closed, the leather steering wheel thicker and flattened at the bottom and with the inscription GTI, metal pedals and special instrumentation.

Volkswagen Golf GTI Convertible is much potent, the frame varies the hardness of the suspension and the ground clearance. The front lowers height by 22 mm and the rear does the same at 15 mm. As in the 'normal' Golf GTI, the XDS electronic differential that increases agility in areas of curves to 'emulate' the operation of a self-locking. Finally and interestingly, does not imply any extra reinforcement in the body relative to the 'normal' Golf Cabrio.


How is going?

Is one of the best convertibles we've tested ... and certainly the most balanced between the range of its price. Typically, this type of vehicle whose main drawback is loss of rigidity caused by their condition 'cars without roof' ... and although the windshield frame or the usually reinforced doors, the measure is not always completely effective, vibrations occur when passing over bumps. But this does not happen in the Golf GTI. Running crickets are not appreciated here and under the windshield remains 'unruffled' however 'broken' is the road. Furthermore, if we decide to go with the top up, the level of noise reaching the interior does not differ much from that in the closed version. Ok, is slightly higher, but you will... appreciate it.

On the other hand, most of the test discoursed in heavy rain ... ideal to check the leakproof of Golf GTI Cabrio. The result is that inside is not leaked a drop- any zone or by frame or the doors. As for the roof, with serial-electric drive, another advantage is that being a canvas, and not a retractable roof, it is very fast: it takes 11.1 seconds to cover the car and 8.8 seconds to uncover it. Both operations can be performed while the car is moving - but not exceeding 30 km/h- holding down a button that is located behind the parking brake.

Engine and gearboxes

The GTI engine 211 hp 2.0 TSI is ... great, for its response to any regime. Moreover, going with legal speed can consume little more than 8 liters per 100 km. For this engine are available two gearboxes: one manual six-speed and one automatic double-clutch six-speed also. The manual is a very nice touch and is quick when you want to practice a sporty driving. In automatic, the changes are even faster. This box also has the advantage of including paddles behind the steering wheel to handle it in sequence ... but the paddles are too small.

Presentation car outfitted the DCC adaptive suspension that costs 895 euros and is undoubtedly one of the cheapest options that is the best match by adjusting the setting of the suspension - normal, comfort and sport - at the touch a button.

The Golf GTI Cabriolet comes standard with elements that are only on option list in the rest of the range: burglar alarm, cruise control, XDS electronic differential, Multi Function Display specific, bi-xenon headlamps with auto LED daytime running lights, parking control front and rear, radio CD to MP3, sports suspension and electrically folding mirrors.


The prices are:

Golf GTI Cabrio 211 hp 2.0 TSI Manual 35,270 euros
Golf GTI Cabrio 211 hp 2.0 TSI Automatic 37,120 euros


via:autofacil.es