New Cabriolet offers great driving dynamics

Too much choice is never a bad thing, which is why there's no harm in having two convertible models in your line-up. If you're Volkswagen, that means the upmarket Eos and, now, the Golf Cabriolet.

Why two similar cars? Crucially, the team behind the Golf opted to stick with a fabric folding roof. Although there are plenty of advantages to having a metal folding roof, a fabric alternative requires less space and can be a little lighter. The advantages are obvious: more room and a bit more economy. And maybe even performance…

Really?

… But not exactly in this case. When it comes to practicality, the car's designers have cleverly engineered a rear end that is both useful and easy on the eye. So often a stumbling block in the drop-top world, the Golf's rump is, well, anything but a rump or afterthought.

The main attraction here is the Golf's open-air experience. And, like so many Golf qualities, it's something the car does extremely well. Don't for one minute think that the fabric roof is something of a compromise; Volkswagen has engineered it to shut out a considerable amount of noise. On the move with the roof up, the car feels as close to a Golf tin-top as is practically possible. Tyre, engine and wind noise are all impressively suppressed, while the cabin ambience is the standard issue familiar dark but classy kind.

With the roof down, the Golf is transformed into an equally refined but more enjoyable experience. How you get there is also impressive. The powered roof requires nothing more than for the driver to press and hold a switch near the handbrake. There's also no need to be parked up with the handbrake on, making the experience a grown-up and undemanding one.

Another plus point of the Golf experience is the lack of an unsightly hump aft of the cabin. The car's roof sits almost flush with the boot deck, and also doesn't need a separate cover for protection from the elements. All in all, although the 1.2-litre mill is low on grunt, the Cab still manages to surprise and delight every time you get behind the wheel.

What's unlikely to come as a surprise is the way the Golf Cabriolet drives. In this area it behaves very much like its hatchback cousin, which is no bad thing. A compliant ride and drama-free handling are matched by an air of refinement that's hard to find elsewhere in this class.

The petrol engines offered (1.2, 1.4, and 2.0 TSI) boast exceptional levels of refinement and ability, and the range-topper is no slouch if you want the driving experience to be quick rather than just brisk. Stop-start and brake energy recovery systems are also present as part of Volkswagen's eco-minded Bluemotion package.

In the real world, the 1.2 TSI petrol variant is actually surprisingly capable and would best suit low-mileage urban dwellers. Any other unit is really just the icing on the cake. The same is true of the transmission options. The manual unit is smooth and precise while the DSG auto gearboxes are a super-smooth and fast alternative.

Verdict

Although the Golf Cabriolet appears to have been positioned lower than the Eos in Volkswagen's pecking order, there's no shortage of standard kit. A fully featured audio unit including Bluetooth, air-con, that electrically operated roof and alloy wheels are all part of the basic package. For everything else, the Cabriolet mirrors the regular Golf line-up.

After a noticeable absence, the Golf Cabriolet is back. Boasting familiar looks and a mature, decent performance, the car is everything a Golf fan seeking a drop-top would want.

In short, the open-air Golf makes an understated but welcome return.

Specs & ratings