9:36 am, February 29, 2012
VOLKSWAGEN has lifted the lid on the most powerful production Golf Cabriolet – the all-new GTI droptop.
Reviving a classic model, the Golf GTI cabriolet shares its look with the GTI hatchback.
So the radiator grille has a honeycomb structure with red edging and the GTI badge, and the standard wheels are 17-inch ‘Monza’ alloys.
Inside the classic GTI theme continues with tartan ‘Jacara’ cloth upholstery, while ‘Vienna’ leather upholstery is optional.
A bespoke GTI multifunction steering wheel wrapped in leather is fitted, as is a leather-covered handbrake and gear lever gaiter, all finished with contrasting red stitching.
Under the bonnet is the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in the GTI hatchback, mated to either a standard six-speed manual gearbox or optional six-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox and producing 208bhp; 0-60 is just 0.4 seconds slower at 7.2 seconds than the GTI hatch; top speed is 147 mph.
Volkswagen says the car will go on sale in the UK in the second half of the year, with prices and further specification details being announced closer to the on-sale date.
