Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet

Despite being fast and fun to drive, the 1.4 TSI GT isn’t the pick of the Golf Cabriolet range – it’s simply too expensive and too costly to run. The 157bhp engine provides hot hatch thrills, while the lowered suspension gives it the handling to match. In this style-conscious market, it helps that the car is great to look at, too. If you can’t afford this model, you don’t lose much by opting for one of the lesser variants.

The VW Golf Cabriolet has arrived in the UK and is already winning plaudits, having overcome its nearest rivals in our group test. This 1.4 TSI GT model is currently the most expensive, at £25,295, but can it justify that price tag?

For the same money you could move up to the larger Eos with its folding hard-top. But there are a number of good reasons why you shouldn’t.

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

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Firstly, the Golf looks better. With the top up, it has a great low-slung roofline that helps create a sporty profile. And with the canvas hood neatly stowed, and the absence of roll-hoops, it has a sleek appearance.

The roof itself can be lowered in only 9.5 seconds while driving at speeds of up to 18mph, and incorporates one canvas-covered metal panel to aid solidity.

This panel sits on top when the roof is folded and does away with the need for a separate tonneau cover, saving weight and reducing complexity. It also helps to create class-leading refinement with the hood up. And it means that the roof doesn’t intrude into the boot when it’s folded.

So whether you have the top up or down, there’s still 250 litres of boot space – that’s 45 litres more than the Eos when its lid is folded.

The Cabriolet has the same length wheelbase as the Eos, so there’s plenty of room in the classy cabin, and seating four adults isn’t a problem.

Then there’s the handling. Volkswagen engineers have reinforced the windscreen frames, cross members, side panels and doors to retain as much of the hatchback’s characteristics as possible.

The result is an absence of scuttle shake, very little body roll and plenty of grip, thanks in part to the lowered sports suspension fitted to our GT model. Over bumpy surfaces the Golf rides well, with only large imperfections unsettling the suspension and causing the mirrors to shake.

The star of the show, though, is the engine, which is not only smooth and refined, but also produces a healthy 157bhp at 5,800rpm. The 0-62mph dash takes only 8.4 seconds, while the top speed stands at 134mph.

Fuel consumption is decent, too, with Volkswagen claiming a figure of 44.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 150g/km.

So while the Cabriolet is expensive, it doesn’t do much else wrong, thanks to its stylish looks, classy cabin and sharp drive. And if you can’t stretch to the GT, there are plenty of other impressive models in the line-up, including the frugal 1.6 TDI and great-value 1.2 TSI, starting at £20,720.