Volkswagen to unveil the new Golf GTI Cabriolet in Geneva
Volkswagen will be presenting its most powerful Golf GTI Cabriolet at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. While the 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine can be found under the hood of the GTI hatchback, in this cabriolet variant it is mated to either a 6-speed manual or DSG gearbox. VW claims that the 210PS GTI Cabriolet sprints from 0-100kmph in 7.3 seconds on either transmission options as opposed to the 6.9 seconds taken by the hatchback, with a top speed of 237kmph. A standard EDS electronic differential lock and XDS transverse differential lock help put all this power to the road.
Visually the Golf GTI Cabriolet retains the traditional GTI styling replete with red etching on the radiator grille and the 17-inch Monza alloys. There is a bespoke rear diffuser with chrome tail pipes on either side. A GTI badge sits on the grille and also at the rear. The interiors have four individual seats covered in Jacara cloth while Vienna leather is on the options list. The hood lining and roof pillar trims are all finished in black. The electrically powered fabric roof, VW claims, will retract into the boot in 9.5 seconds and can even be deployed at speeds of up to 30kmph. As far as safety goes, the GTI Cabriolet gets a 5-star Euro NCAP rating all thanks to its rollover protection, driver knee airbag and the front as also side head/thorax airbags.
The Golf GTI Cabriolet will be on sale in UK by the second half of 2012.
