convertibles

NEW PRICE: To be determined
ON SALE: July 2011

The Golf Cabriolet has made a comeback at the Geneva Motor Show, having not been part of the VW line-up since the Mk4 version signed off 10 years ago.

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What is the VW Golf Cabriolet?

The new soft-top is the first VW Golf Cabriolet for 10 years

It’s a soft-top version of the latest Mk6 VW Golf, with four seats and two doors. It looks exactly as you’d expect a topless Golf to look – the front-end is virtually identical to the Golf hatchback, while the back is obviously slightly restyled to accommodate the folding roof. Overall, it’s a conservative look, but one that will no doubt still appeal to the legions of loyal Golf fans in the UK.

Read the full review of Mk6 Volkswagen Golf here

Why buy one?

The new Golf Cabriolet has an active roll-over protection system

The Golf Cabriolet competes with ‘coupe cabriolet’ versions of the Renault Megane and Peugeot 308 (which both have folding metal roofs), as well as the soft-top Audi A3. While some buyers will be less keen on the Golf's fabric roof, we think the Cabriolet’s heritage, along with the cachet and strong resale values associated with the VW badge, will secure healthy sales in the UK.

The Golf Cabriolet is also well equipped. All models will get alloy wheels, an active roll-over protection system, driver’s knee airbag and DAB digital radio as standard.

The Golf's fabric roof folds up or down in a speedy 9.5 seconds, and when the roof is down it doesn't impinge on boot space. The boot isn't huge, at 250 litres, or terribly easy to access, but it will accommodate enough for a weekend away for two.

Indeed, the Golf Cabriolet is best viewed as a two-seater. The two pews in the back are pretty tight on adult legroom for anything other than short journeys, but they will be fine for children.

Which? members can read more convertible car reviews here

What are the engine options?

The VW Golf Cabriolet roof folds away in 9.5 seconds

VW has confirmed three engines for the launch of the Golf Cabriolet – 1.2 and 160bhp 1.4 TSI petrols and a 1.6 TDI diesel. A lower-powered 122bhp version of the 1.4 TSI will follow soon after, along with a 2.0 TSI petrol and a 2.0 TDI diesel.

Read our guide to petrol vs diesel

How much will it cost?

No prices confirmed yet, but we’d expect the Golf Cabriolet to start at around £18,000.

When is it out?

Order books open in July 2011, with first deliveries expected in September. Pity it’ll miss the summer, but you’ll have more chance of bagging a discount if you wait a few months anyway.

Read about the cars unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 2012