The new Golf GTI Cabriolet will be released worldwide in 2013 - the first time Volkswagen is producing a Cabrio with full GTI specs.
Volkswagen is introducing their newest offering – the Golf GTI Cabriolet – to the world in 2013. VW has previously produced the Cabriolet with the GTI engine, but this will be the first time the auto giant delivers a fully GTI-specced version of the Cabrio.
The Cabriolet’s engine comes directly from the GTI hatch, which fans will enjoy. The 207 hp 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection engine cranks out 155Kw and 280Nm of torque between 1800 and 5000 rpm. Other GTI-specific design tweaks include the red-accented honeycomb grille and the 17-inch aluminium wheels. The 18-inch machine polished rollers with 225/40 tyres are optional.
Coupled to a choice of the six-speed manual gearbox or the six-speed DSG dual-clutch box, the GTI Cabriolet will rocket from 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds. With a top speed of 237km/h with the manual and 235km/h with the DSG, the GTI Cabriolet is sure to have GTI enthusiasts foaming at the mouth.
The electric-hydraulic soft-top roof can, according to Volkswagen, be made to disappear in just 9 seconds and reappear in 11 seconds. The functionality of the roof also allows drivers to use the roof at speeds of up to 30km/h, making it easy and practical to use as often as you’d like. A great bonus with the GTI Cabrio is that the roof looks just as sensational and modern up as it does down. Other external design features include the twin chrome exhaust pipes, smoked LED tail-lights and license-plate illumination. Full LED headlights are available as a fairly pricey optional extra.
The reinforced windscreen, underbody, crossmembers and doors all create a stiff and rigid body for the GTI Cabrio, making the ride comfortable, controlled and smooth. The strengthening also contributes to the car’s impressive safety rating of 5 NCAP stars. Aside from all the body work the GTI Cabrio also features a small fleet of airbags, an ISOFIX child-seat fixture base, side impact beams, and a plethora of electronic assists including ABS, ABD and ESP.
The interior is pure and unadulterated GTI aesthetic, aside from the specially designed Cabrio backseat and slightly more angular windshield. The red GTI stitching is prominent everywhere from the steering wheel to the parking brake. The boot space is a serviceable 250-litres – and putting the roof down doesn’t use any boot space – which is often a concern with convertibles.
The poetic element here is that the GTI Cabriolet may very well be Volkswagen’s last hurrah to the Golf 6 before the much anticipated Golf 7 is released next year. The GTI Cabrio will arrive in South African showrooms early in 2013, and more details – including the price tag – will be announced closer to the time.
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Image sourced from Caricos.com