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Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet 2.0 TSI (A) Review
17 Jul 2013|16,322 views
There are days when we hope for good weather more than others. It's almost like when you are asked to be the best man for your buddy, you murmur a silent prayer for a good sunny day.
There must be other numerous occasions when you hoped for the rain clouds to go away, too. And having a set of keys to a cabriolet must be one of them.
And not just any cabriolet. This is the very first GTI hatch to go topless. A very special one indeed.
Your eyes aren't playing tricks on you - this is the first ever GTI cabriolet
Let's take a look at some quick facts. The Golf has been through seven generations, with each spawning a GTI variant. However, there has only been four generations of the cabriolet. And rarity is definitely a welcomed trait.
By combining the most desirable attributes of two hugely popular variants into one single car, the Wolfsburg automaker must have done it bang-on right. Or have they?
Exterior
Having seen and experienced the Mk7 Golf lately, the GTI cabrio feels like a revisit - somewhat like a deja vu. Much of the cabrio's aesthetical treatments have been carried forward from the Mk6 GTI - with only a bespoke rear diffuser that is unique to the cabrio.
There must be other numerous occasions when you hoped for the rain clouds to go away, too. And having a set of keys to a cabriolet must be one of them.
And not just any cabriolet. This is the very first GTI hatch to go topless. A very special one indeed.
Let's take a look at some quick facts. The Golf has been through seven generations, with each spawning a GTI variant. However, there has only been four generations of the cabriolet. And rarity is definitely a welcomed trait.
By combining the most desirable attributes of two hugely popular variants into one single car, the Wolfsburg automaker must have done it bang-on right. Or have they?
Exterior
Having seen and experienced the Mk7 Golf lately, the GTI cabrio feels like a revisit - somewhat like a deja vu. Much of the cabrio's aesthetical treatments have been carried forward from the Mk6 GTI - with only a bespoke rear diffuser that is unique to the cabrio.
 |
That is not to say the GTI cabrio is outdated. It still has the right bits to help it stay current in the competition, such as LED daytime running lamps - giving it a distinctive identity.
On the other hand, while the styling still carries a good sporting sense, there is no shunning away from the fact that it is slowly losing the novelty feel - the fact that the GTI hot hatch has been a common sight on our local roads.
 |
Interior
Feeding the boy racers' urge (and ego) are a handful of aluminium trims, littered around the cabin. You can also find red stitching on leather - done in the usual manner to exude a subtle but sporty feel within the cabrio.
The cabrio will still fit four adults, though a little snug at the rear
Ergonomics wise, we can't really fault the Mk6 GTI's interior. Although it feels like it could do better with the quality of materials used. Parts of the centre console, such as the sliding bin cover, are starting to feel aged.
Perhaps it has to do with the recent sampling of the Mk7 Golf (one of the best cockpits in the business), which also begs the question of the late arrival of the GTI Cabrio.
Feeding the boy racers' urge (and ego) are a handful of aluminium trims, littered around the cabin. You can also find red stitching on leather - done in the usual manner to exude a subtle but sporty feel within the cabrio.
Ergonomics wise, we can't really fault the Mk6 GTI's interior. Although it feels like it could do better with the quality of materials used. Parts of the centre console, such as the sliding bin cover, are starting to feel aged.
Perhaps it has to do with the recent sampling of the Mk7 Golf (one of the best cockpits in the business), which also begs the question of the late arrival of the GTI Cabrio.
On the sunnier side of things, despite losing two of its doors, the cabrio is still practical for everyday use. Rear quarters are still comfortable enough for two adults - although it'll be most ideal over short distances.
Predictably, the cabrio settles for 250 litres of boot volume. While the figure doesn't sound impressive, the retractable hood will fold neatly behind the head rests of the rear quarters without eating into the boot space. As such, grocery shopping can still be done in style and speed.
Clever fabric top folds neatly behind the rear passengers when stowed - without taking up any boot space
Predictably, the cabrio settles for 250 litres of boot volume. While the figure doesn't sound impressive, the retractable hood will fold neatly behind the head rests of the rear quarters without eating into the boot space. As such, grocery shopping can still be done in style and speed.
 |
The Drive
Our last memory of the GTI hot hatch was filled by the special edition E35. It carried a detuned block from the lip-smacking Golf R that was capable of 235bhp and 300Nm of torque.
This GTI cabrio, though, has the 'original' lump from the Mk6 GTI, which packs 210bhp and 280Nm of torque. While the figures 'suffered' a cut, it isn't exactly un-inspiring.
Workhorse from the Mk6 GTI will churn out no less than 210bhp and 280Nm of torque
Pedal to the metal, the GTI cabrio will not hold back, unleashing all of the nut-wrenching torque from as low as 1,700 revs. This often results in tyres screeching and grasping furiously for grip at the front end, at the same time attracting weird stares from passers-by.
Before the turbo boost kicks in, there is a slight, noticeable hint of lag in the cabrio. To make up for this, the potent six-speed dual-clutch DSG does elminate some bits of tardiness with its quick swops. The cogbox has also allowed easy access to the GTI's performance, making it a fuss-free daily driver.
There is, however, no escape from the laws of physics. With the strengthening of the cabrio's chassis (hence added weight), century sprint timing has taken a toll and is now down to 7.3 seconds from the 6.6 seconds in the GTI hatch.
Our last memory of the GTI hot hatch was filled by the special edition E35. It carried a detuned block from the lip-smacking Golf R that was capable of 235bhp and 300Nm of torque.
This GTI cabrio, though, has the 'original' lump from the Mk6 GTI, which packs 210bhp and 280Nm of torque. While the figures 'suffered' a cut, it isn't exactly un-inspiring.
Pedal to the metal, the GTI cabrio will not hold back, unleashing all of the nut-wrenching torque from as low as 1,700 revs. This often results in tyres screeching and grasping furiously for grip at the front end, at the same time attracting weird stares from passers-by.
Before the turbo boost kicks in, there is a slight, noticeable hint of lag in the cabrio. To make up for this, the potent six-speed dual-clutch DSG does elminate some bits of tardiness with its quick swops. The cogbox has also allowed easy access to the GTI's performance, making it a fuss-free daily driver.
There is, however, no escape from the laws of physics. With the strengthening of the cabrio's chassis (hence added weight), century sprint timing has taken a toll and is now down to 7.3 seconds from the 6.6 seconds in the GTI hatch.
Still, the new car can do what the previous GTI couldn't - the priceless, wind-in-your-hair experience. Access to the skies in the GTI cabrio is granted in nine seconds flat. And like most other fabric folding tops, it can be operated at speeds - in this case up to 30km/h.
Even in its more hardcore 'Sport' mode, the GTI's ride was never unsettling
Unless pushed hard over bends, the cabrio's loss in structural rigidity over the hatch is barely noticeable. This means that it will still make for a resounding drive. And with the top down, we reckon the cabrio is more enjoyable when driven leisurely at road legal speeds - else the wind noise will get overpowering at any higher speeds.
Conclusion
A matrimony of the Mk6 GTI hatch and Golf cabriolet - both immaculate and celebrated in their own fields - the GTI cabrio, in theory, looks all set to rule.
In reality, the crackling kit is indeed a joy to behold.
That said, we think that the the soon-to-arrive Mk7 GTI hot hatch (which is some $5,000 more) will pose a serious threat to the cabrio. Judging by how well the regular Mk7 Golf has been, we expect the latter to be of tall calibre.
That alone will be a tough decision for any GTI shoppers.
Unless pushed hard over bends, the cabrio's loss in structural rigidity over the hatch is barely noticeable. This means that it will still make for a resounding drive. And with the top down, we reckon the cabrio is more enjoyable when driven leisurely at road legal speeds - else the wind noise will get overpowering at any higher speeds.
Conclusion
A matrimony of the Mk6 GTI hatch and Golf cabriolet - both immaculate and celebrated in their own fields - the GTI cabrio, in theory, looks all set to rule.
In reality, the crackling kit is indeed a joy to behold.
That said, we think that the the soon-to-arrive Mk7 GTI hot hatch (which is some $5,000 more) will pose a serious threat to the cabrio. Judging by how well the regular Mk7 Golf has been, we expect the latter to be of tall calibre.
That alone will be a tough decision for any GTI shoppers.
There are days when we hope for good weather more than others. It's almost like when you are asked to be the best man for your buddy, you murmur a silent prayer for a good sunny day.
There must be other numerous occasions when you hoped for the rain clouds to go away, too. And having a set of keys to a cabriolet must be one of them.
And not just any cabriolet. This is the very first GTI hatch to go topless. A very special one indeed.
Let's take a look at some quick facts. The Golf has been through seven generations, with each spawning a GTI variant. However, there has only been four generations of the cabriolet. And rarity is definitely a welcomed trait.
By combining the most desirable attributes of two hugely popular variants into one single car, the Wolfsburg automaker must have done it bang-on right. Or have they?
Exterior
Having seen and experienced the Mk7 Golf lately, the GTI cabrio feels like a revisit - somewhat like a deja vu. Much of the cabrio's aesthetical treatments have been carried forward from the Mk6 GTI - with only a bespoke rear diffuser that is unique to the cabrio.
There must be other numerous occasions when you hoped for the rain clouds to go away, too. And having a set of keys to a cabriolet must be one of them.
And not just any cabriolet. This is the very first GTI hatch to go topless. A very special one indeed.
Let's take a look at some quick facts. The Golf has been through seven generations, with each spawning a GTI variant. However, there has only been four generations of the cabriolet. And rarity is definitely a welcomed trait.
By combining the most desirable attributes of two hugely popular variants into one single car, the Wolfsburg automaker must have done it bang-on right. Or have they?
Exterior
Having seen and experienced the Mk7 Golf lately, the GTI cabrio feels like a revisit - somewhat like a deja vu. Much of the cabrio's aesthetical treatments have been carried forward from the Mk6 GTI - with only a bespoke rear diffuser that is unique to the cabrio.
That is not to say the GTI cabrio is outdated. It still has the right bits to help it stay current in the competition, such as LED daytime running lamps - giving it a distinctive identity.
On the other hand, while the styling still carries a good sporting sense, there is no shunning away from the fact that it is slowly losing the novelty feel - the fact that the GTI hot hatch has been a common sight on our local roads.
Interior
Feeding the boy racers' urge (and ego) are a handful of aluminium trims, littered around the cabin. You can also find red stitching on leather - done in the usual manner to exude a subtle but sporty feel within the cabrio.
Ergonomics wise, we can't really fault the Mk6 GTI's interior. Although it feels like it could do better with the quality of materials used. Parts of the centre console, such as the sliding bin cover, are starting to feel aged.
Perhaps it has to do with the recent sampling of the Mk7 Golf (one of the best cockpits in the business), which also begs the question of the late arrival of the GTI Cabrio.
Feeding the boy racers' urge (and ego) are a handful of aluminium trims, littered around the cabin. You can also find red stitching on leather - done in the usual manner to exude a subtle but sporty feel within the cabrio.
Ergonomics wise, we can't really fault the Mk6 GTI's interior. Although it feels like it could do better with the quality of materials used. Parts of the centre console, such as the sliding bin cover, are starting to feel aged.
Perhaps it has to do with the recent sampling of the Mk7 Golf (one of the best cockpits in the business), which also begs the question of the late arrival of the GTI Cabrio.
On the sunnier side of things, despite losing two of its doors, the cabrio is still practical for everyday use. Rear quarters are still comfortable enough for two adults - although it'll be most ideal over short distances.
Predictably, the cabrio settles for 250 litres of boot volume. While the figure doesn't sound impressive, the retractable hood will fold neatly behind the head rests of the rear quarters without eating into the boot space. As such, grocery shopping can still be done in style and speed.
Predictably, the cabrio settles for 250 litres of boot volume. While the figure doesn't sound impressive, the retractable hood will fold neatly behind the head rests of the rear quarters without eating into the boot space. As such, grocery shopping can still be done in style and speed.
The Drive
Our last memory of the GTI hot hatch was filled by the special edition E35. It carried a detuned block from the lip-smacking Golf R that was capable of 235bhp and 300Nm of torque.
This GTI cabrio, though, has the 'original' lump from the Mk6 GTI, which packs 210bhp and 280Nm of torque. While the figures 'suffered' a cut, it isn't exactly un-inspiring.
Pedal to the metal, the GTI cabrio will not hold back, unleashing all of the nut-wrenching torque from as low as 1,700 revs. This often results in tyres screeching and grasping furiously for grip at the front end, at the same time attracting weird stares from passers-by.
Before the turbo boost kicks in, there is a slight, noticeable hint of lag in the cabrio. To make up for this, the potent six-speed dual-clutch DSG does elminate some bits of tardiness with its quick swops. The cogbox has also allowed easy access to the GTI's performance, making it a fuss-free daily driver.
There is, however, no escape from the laws of physics. With the strengthening of the cabrio's chassis (hence added weight), century sprint timing has taken a toll and is now down to 7.3 seconds from the 6.6 seconds in the GTI hatch.
Still, the new car can do what the previous GTI couldn't - the priceless, wind-in-your-hair experience. Access to the skies in the GTI cabrio is granted in nine seconds flat. And like most other fabric folding tops, it can be operated at speeds - in this case up to 30km/h.
Unless pushed hard over bends, the cabrio's loss in structural rigidity over the hatch is barely noticeable. This means that it will still make for a resounding drive. And with the top down, we reckon the cabrio is more enjoyable when driven leisurely at road legal speeds - else the wind noise will get overpowering at any higher speeds.
Conclusion
A matrimony of the Mk6 GTI hatch and Golf cabriolet - both immaculate and celebrated in their own fields - the GTI cabrio, in theory, looks all set to rule.
In reality, the crackling kit is indeed a joy to behold.
That said, we think that the the soon-to-arrive Mk7 GTI hot hatch (which is some $5,000 more) will pose a serious threat to the cabrio. Judging by how well the regular Mk7 Golf has been, we expect the latter to be of tall calibre.
That alone will be a tough decision for any GTI shoppers.
Unless pushed hard over bends, the cabrio's loss in structural rigidity over the hatch is barely noticeable. This means that it will still make for a resounding drive. And with the top down, we reckon the cabrio is more enjoyable when driven leisurely at road legal speeds - else the wind noise will get overpowering at any higher speeds.
Conclusion
A matrimony of the Mk6 GTI hatch and Golf cabriolet - both immaculate and celebrated in their own fields - the GTI cabrio, in theory, looks all set to rule.
In reality, the crackling kit is indeed a joy to behold.
That said, we think that the the soon-to-arrive Mk7 GTI hot hatch (which is some $5,000 more) will pose a serious threat to the cabrio. Judging by how well the regular Mk7 Golf has been, we expect the latter to be of tall calibre.
That alone will be a tough decision for any GTI shoppers.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet 2.0 TSI DSG (A)
CAT B|Petrol|12.9km/L
Horsepower
157kW (210 bhp)
Torque
280 Nm
Acceleration
7.3sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet
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