I am sorry guys but I think the new Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet looks just like a fattened up middle age Caddy with the back bits chopped off and lowered. I can’t quite define my feeling of unease when looking at the images of the new Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet and get the impression that someone said; “We need to have a car that will appeal to hairdressers and their clients – one that is safe (ish) and affordable whilst being built up from bits we have available in bins scattered around the factory!”
Admittedly I only considered writing about the VW Cabriolet when I saw that one of the images had yacht masts in the background. Looking at that image, though made me imagine the VW Cabriolet as a safe cruising boat similar to a fat bottomed Muira or even one of those corpulent ladies, seen from the rear, swishing into parliament in multi coloured splendour. I would far rather sail on a Pacer 27 or a Volvo Ocean racer than a Muira, so too should a cabriolet shriek danger with a lean and mean attitude and not conjour up images of aged lisping fat fingered hairdressers with rolls of flesh struggling to escape from too tight pants.
In all fairness here follows the official words from Volkswagen with regards to their Cabriolet:
The introduction of the Golf Cabriolet, which was unveiled at the Johannesburg International Motorshow in October 2011, completes the Volkswagen Golf model range in South Africa.
In 2011, Golf was Volkswagen’s third best-selling model behind Polo Vivo and Polo with 7123 units sold.
The Golf Cabriolet is one of the quietest of cabriolets on the market. Its quiet ride is attributable to the sophisticated design of the fabric roof as well as new window and door seals.
Wind noises in the high frequency range above 5000 Hz are perceived to be annoying by most drivers and passengers as they make it difficult hold a conversation while driving (articulation index). Volkswagen has researched the articulation index in-depth and evaluated experiences in other vehicles. The outcome of the evaluation resulted in the Golf Cabriolet setting new standards for acoustics in cabriolets.
Viewed from the front, the cabriolet looks like other Golf models. The cabriolet however, has a sportier image from this perspective because of its swept-back windscreen. When the Golf Cabriolet is ordered with optional Bi-Xenon headlights, it creates a dynamic image. The Bi-Xenon headlights have an integrated daytime running light formed by 15 LEDs in the dual headlight housing.
The rear has smoked LED rear lights. The Golf Cabriolet’s rear has been redesigned. The bootlid extends low into the bumper and it swings far upward when opened making it easy to stow suitcases or shopping items. An elegant chrome trim strip forms a visual contrast between the lower edge of the soft top and the bootlid; this continuous chrome stripe extends up to the A-pillars.
In side profile, three styling characteristics of the cabriolet are especially appealing to the eye, the more swept-back windscreen, the visually short boot and the soft top integrated in these style lines. When the roof is down, the Golf Cabriolet has an elegant, extended look. With the roof up, the compact and crisp styling lines around the imaginary C-pillars and the boot reflect the unmistakable character of the previous model and transfer it to contemporary times – spanning over an entire decade.
The Golf Cabriolet offers the largest interior length in its class. Passengers in the rear seats benefit from 833 mm of legroom. The top activation switch is integrated in the centre console between the driver and passenger seats. The Golf Cabriolet also has a practical Easy Entry function of the front seats that makes it easier for rear passengers to enter and exit the car.
There are practical bag hooks in the side panels of the 250 litre boot; located right next to the hooks are the remote latch release mechanisms for folding the 50:50 split rear seatback. When the seatback is folded, it increases the stowing capacity.
Retail Prices (VAT and Emissions Tax included)
- 1.4 TSI 90kW Manual: R283 400
- 1.4 TSI 90kW DSG: R297900
- 1.4 TSI 118kW Manual: R324000
- 1.4 TSI 118kW DSG: R338 500
Alan Straton
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