2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet 1.4 TSI

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The new Volkswagen's styling follows that of its hard-top three-door counterpart, but it shows a high level of independence with a new rear section, lower profile roof line and more swept-back angle of its front windscreen frame. The convertible's image is especially dynamic when ordered with optional bi-xenon headlights. Always a standard feature: the LED rear lights like those on the GTI. Other standard safety features offering peace of mind are the automatically deploying roll-over bar, front airbags, side head/thorax airbags, knee airbag for the driver and ESP.

The new Golf is one of the quietest convertibles today. Its soothing quietness is attributable to the new soft top that was optimized in specific ways. It also has a standard hydraulic drive that opens the Golf's top extremely quickly. The top can also be opened or closed during driving at speeds of up to 20 mph (30 km/h).

Ideal for cruising with a convertible are the six turbocharged direct-injection engines whose power outputs range from 104 hp to 210 hp. Four of the petrol engines (TSI) and one diesel (TDI) are available with the DSG dual-clutch gearbox; while three of the engines are available with energy-saving BlueMotion Technology. Just how efficiently the new Golf Cabriolet handles fuel is illustrated by the 1.6 TDI with 104 hp and BlueMotion Technology: It only consumes 4.4 l/100 km (equivalent to 117 g/km CO2).

In Germany, advance sales begin tomorrow with prices starting at 23,625 EUR. Essentially, all of the features offered in the classic, hard top Golf are also available in the new Golf Cabriolet.