The Volkswagen Golf is one of the most iconic cars of all time. It first saw the gates of production in 1974 and instantly found the favour of the masses due to its practical and simple nature.
Months into production, Volkswagen added a high performance sports package, making the first Golf GTI in 1975 a practical sporty car.
Building on this success, a convertible version known as the Golf Cabriolet was introduced in 1980 and was on the market till 1993. Possessing an undeniable flair, it got all sorts of accolades and awards including the world’s most popular convertible in 1991, having sold 388 522 cabriolets between 1979 and 1991.
The Golf 6 Cabriolet made its first appearance at the 2011 Geneva International Motor Show after a nine year absence, and the GTI version was introduced a year later. Despite doing pretty well in the UK, the Golf 6 Cabriolet didn’t fair very well on a global scale with the blame falling on factors such as a dwindling global convertible market and China’s lack of appetite for convertibles.
The VW emissions scandal exacerbated this, leading to restructuring and cost cutting measures such as the cutting of less profitable products and focusing on stronger selling products such as the Tiguan.
By 2016, it was official – VW had resolved to phase out all convertibles from their line-up which includes the Golf Cabriolet, Beetle Convertible and the Eos Coupe/Cabriolet which was sited to replace the Golf Cabriolet.
My first impression of the Golf 6 GTI Cabriolet is that it’s a car distinguished from its siblings. Most striking is the rug-top, then you go on to notice its lower profile, lower roofline, more bulging panels and the more severely reeked windscreen, all creating an enhanced sporty vibe. Then there is the unmistakable GTI styling – alloy wheels, daytime running lights, L-shaped LED tail lights, to name a few. VW say the shape of the rug-top is designed to closely mimic the three-door hatch.
On the interior, the Golf Cabriolet does not lack the VW quality fit and finish. As per build tradition, it feels solid with high quality while exploiting the power of simplicity. The interior package includes sport-oriented seats, leather upholstery, flat bottomed three spoke steering, stainless steel pedals, leather gear, chrome trims and lumbar support.
The Golf Cabriolet oozes technology which includes multi function display, rain sensor, footwell lamps, park pilot, high beam assist, automatic running lights switch and heated front seats.
It borrows its infotainment from upper market siblings, which includes 6,5-inch screen, voice command, navigation, Bluetooth telephony and a sound pack.
What is a convertible without music? My choice of tunes was some 90s R&B and it made my weekend thanks to its 10 channel DynAudio sound pack delivering 600 watts via 10 speakers. It comes integrated with USB, DVD, WMA, CD and MP3, aux, SD card, iPod connection and DAB Radio.
Having acclimatised to its basic functions, the first thing I did was open the top. It would be an injustice to drive a cabriolet with the roof up on a sunny Saturday afternoon. I did this with the press of a button – taking me into another world in just nine seconds. Every time I do this, it just convinces me more that a cabriolet is the ultimate weekend accessory, the epitome of outdoor leisure and relaxation.
Before I drove the GTI, I used to wonder why guys in Golfs would take off from robots as if they were on some kind of narcotic substance. Lo and behold, I was the one doing this at any opportunity I got. The VW Golf GTI has a launch function in sport mode that is nothing less than a thrill and is certainly addictive. I saw why it is said to be easy to drive fast. But otherwise when not dared, it’s a very comfortable and enjoyable drive.
In the belly of the Golf 6 GTI Cabriolet is a petrol driven four cylinder, 1984 cc which churns 155 kilowatts of power and a displacement of 280 Nm torque. It’s capable of 0 to 100km/h in 6,9 seconds.
Talking safety, the Cabriolet is loaded with front, side and knee air bags, high tensile steel reinforced windscreen frame and there’s the automatic roll-over system that comes into play in a quarter of a second should the vehicle overturn. It scores five stars in safety under NCAP.
The GTI is the benchmark of its class, the best all rounder and chopping off its top just makes it more fun, sporty and leisurely. Although phased out, in the auto industry, every end spells a new beginning.
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