VW: Golf Cabrio a cruise with flexi engine

2012 VW Golf Cabriolet. Photo / Supplied

What is it
The new Golf Cabrio is another piece in Volkswagen's premium mainstream double-strategy, with Eos as premium player of this pair.

The first Golf Cabriolet launched in 1979 and this is the fourth, a good decade since its predecessor launched.

It is powered by a 90kW/200Nm 1.4-litre TSI engine matched to a seven-speed DSG twin-clutch transmission and drinking a claimed 6.3l/100km.

The electronically operated roof takes just 9.5 seconds to deploy, and works at speeds up to 30km/h.

The lack of wind buffet is impressive for the front seats, though the wind-deflector should still be standard.

Specification for your $43,000 includes stability control, four airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, park pilot, Bluetooth and a glass rear window.

We like
Beautifully flexible engine, thanks to excellence of DSG 'box and the broad spread of torque. Every one of the 200Nm is available from 1500 to 4000rpm. Refinement disguises the dynamic compromises that come with chopping the roof off. And reasonably useful back seats.

We loathe
Looks too conservative. And though the cabin boasts typical VW restraint and quality materials, it doesn't feel that special.

We'd upgrade it by paying $5000 for the heated leather seats that will extend top-down motoring into chillier months.