VW Golf Cabriolet 1.6 TDI

As with its GTI stablemate, the Golf Cabrio is an automotive legend. And the good news for fans of the drop-top family car is that the newcomer is one of the best of its breed, with a fast-folding, high-quality fabric hood. The transformation from hatch to cabrio hasn’t affected the driving experience, either. The only potential problem is VW’s Eos; the purpose-built coupé-cabrio is more stylish than the convertible Golf,  and very close on price.

The Golf Cabriolet hasn’t simply arrived late to the drop-top party; it has turned up just as the bell for last orders has sounded. With summer drawing to a close, Volkswagen’s usually impeccable timing has clearly gone awry – but if any car can shrug off the changing of the convertible seasons, it’s the Golf. 

The big seller has a proven cabrio pedigree stretching back 32 years, so is the latest version fit to follow in the wheeltracks of its glamorous predecessors? It brings a welcome slice of fun to the sensible Golf range, and features a traditional fabric hood rather than a folding metal design. 

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Golf Cabriolet

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"68804","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

This compact mechanism has a number of advantages. Visually, it demands few compromises, so the Golf’s stylish and well proportioned looks are barely affected by the roof. 

In SE spec, a classy chrome trimline runs around the waist of the car, while under the stubby bootlid, the load area is unaffected when the hood is stowed. You get a modest 250-litre capacity come rain or shine (plus folding rear seatbacks), but the narrow opening limits your ability to carry large objects.

The other major advantage of a fabric hood is speed. While folding hard-top models typically take more than 20 seconds to go from coupé to cabriolet, the Golf completes the transformation in only 12 seconds. 

What’s more, the mechanism works at up to 18mph, so you’re able to enjoy wind-in-the-hair motoring without worrying that an impromptu shower will spoil your curls. And if the winter-like weather we encountered during our time at the wheel forces you to keep the roof in place, it does a brilliant job of insulating the cabin. 

We tried the anticipated best seller – the 1.6-litre TDI BlueMotion Technology – and it proved nearly as refined as the hatch. There’s also space for two adults to sit in the back in reasonable comfort.

Cutting the roof off any vehicle is rarely good news for the chassis; the extra strengthening required adds weight, and the result is typically less rigid. Still, the VW makes light of this double whammy. A short drive is all you need to understand that the best modern cabriolets demand very few dynamic compromises. Scuttle shake is conspicuous by its absence, the well judged steering serves up the same linear responses and reassuring weight delivered by the hatchback and there’s lots of grip. 

It’s not a car you’ll drive for the hell of it, but the Golf Cabriolet is very accomplished, with a positive gearshift and responsive brakes. The 1.6-litre TDI diesel is tuned to optimise economy rather than pace, as the long ratios of the five-speed manual box take the edge off acceleration. But it’s smooth, willing and returns 64.2mpg, while emitting only 117g/km of CO2. Those figures will ensure the model is a hit with company buyers, while private owners can expect it to hold on to its value well. 

Add one of the classiest mainstream car interiors there is, as well as competitive prices, and it’s clearly a case of better late than never for the new Golf Cabriolet.