IT'S lovely driving a good car on roads that you know. VW launched the new Golf Cabriolet not far from my mother’s home and I had a whale of a time around the local lanes and by-ways in the Cotswolds.
I spent most time with the 160bhp 1.4 TSi super and turbocharged petrol, which suits the car perfectly, but there is also the 207bhp 2.0-litre from the GTi and a choice of 1.6 or 2.0-litre turbo diesels with 105 or 140bhp.
The 1.4 GT, as it’s called, is willing and powerful with strong pull from very low revs and a very sweet sound.
Despite a rather wet day, I had the roof down – which takes just ten seconds – and was cosseted by a wind deflector behind the front seats.
However, with this in place it is only a two seater, because it fills the rear seat space.
Road-holding and handling are pure Golf – i.e. superb – and fit and finish are brilliant, but £25,000 is one heck of a price tag.
Interior
Hood up it was almost as quiet as the hatch – even on that blustery day, all the controls are perfectly placed and work brilliantly and comfort is excellent.
Equipment includes traction and stability control, alloys, electric roof, sports suspension, Bluetooth, cruise and front and rear parking sensors.
FAST FACTS
Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet
Price: £25,295
Mechanical: 157bhp, 1,390cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 134mph
0-62mph: 8.4 seconds
Combined mpg: 44
Insurance group: 29
CO2 emissions: 150g/km
BIK rating: 20%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles
Marks: 10/10
Main rival: Audi A3 Cabrio