Volkswagen Golf Cabrio 2011 Review

It's true to say Volkswagen's Golf Cabriolet has a fair (but tanned?) number of fans in this sun-soaked country. An open-top version of VW's best-selling model hasn't been offered since the fourth-generation Golf, so we’re pleased to see it back in the market… especially as it’s looking good and well-priced.

Starting at $36,990, the new Golf Cabrio significantly undercuts immediate convertible competitors -- Renault (with Megane CC), Peugeot (308 CC) and Audi (A3 Cabriolet) -- on price. The French options boast folding metal roofs, similar to VW’s Eos, accounting for some of the price difference.

There's a strong argument for soft-top motoring, however. For starters a fabric roof means less weight: In the Golf Cabrio's case the roof and folding framework weigh around 50kg combined, and the roof folds in a small 'z' pattern, tucking neatly into the top of the boot. Its fabric is also apparently robust enough to serve as its own protection when folded, negating the need for a cover. The whole open-top production takes just nine seconds and can be done while in motion at up to 30km/h.

The Golf Cabrio's A-pillar is steeped lower than the donor hatch model but front passengers are well-protected from the elements, and wind buffeting is sharply reduced when all four windows are up. A rear wind deflector is available from dealers: the screen is similar to the one used by the Eos, which takes up the rear seats.

We didn't detect any untoward body shake with the roof down: indeed, the Cabrio feels as refined as its tin-top sibling and with the roof up it’s easy to forget you're in a cloth-topped car.

Its canvas roof is layered and provides good insulation against outside noise and conditions. The most noticeable cabin 'intrusion' was tyre noise when travelling over coarse surfaces and the climate control system had no trouble keeping us cool despite the high-30s temperature in the McLaren Vale region. With the air-con on throughout the launch we averaged 10.1L/100km after around 300km of spirited driving.

The single engine option for Australian buyers might seem stingy but it's a hearty unit; good for 118kW/240Nm. The engine is responsive from standstill and willing to rev to its near-6000rpm redline, making for a surprisingly sporty drive... It even sounds good. We drove a DSG-equipped model and found the unit keen to hold gears when in ascents and generally well-behaved enough to ignore the manual mode for most of the drive route. The auto will shift near redline if left in manual mode.

Unlike the equipment packages available in overseas markets, local Golf Cabrios are offered with a minimum of options: namely, leather, sat-nav and rear-view camera. Otherwise standard-fit equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime-running headlights, dual-zone climate control, park assist and Bluetooth with audio streaming.

The added cargo space with the rear seats folded down is super handy and rather unique among competitor convertibles. The convenience has been availed by the fabric roof’s compactness when folded: the compartment is positioned at the top of the boot space and doesn't require closing for the roof to operate. Passenger space is also generous for a convertible, with good leg and foot room for all four occupants.

We also like how good the Golf Cabrio looks with its roof down which is not something we can say about all convertibles. The "strawberry basket" handle (rollover bar) has been dropped for this latest generation version but the Golf Cabrio still retains some of its classic style, such as the high blocky sides. Seating for the front passengers seems lower-set than in the Golf hatch, which gives a sense of being comfortably cocooned even when the roof is down.

VW Australia has priced the Golf Cabrio safely 'away' from the Eos, and apart from the hard-top version's very clever roof (with sunroof feature) there is no compromise for driving the soft-top model. During the launch we passed a couple of owners of the old model -- feared as the last Golf Cabrio.

They'll be pleased to know there's good reason for them to move on... The strawberry basket has lost its handle but still contains all the fruit.

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site…