It does seem a little strange that VW is launching a version of the Golf 6 months after the Golf 7 hit our shores, but with no open-top version of the latter, the world has to make do with the older Cabrio for now.
And that Cabrio is now available to South Africans in GTI format. As long-time fans of open-top driving, we at IOL Motoring can only say, “Nice one, chaps, even if it is a little late.”
Where the rest of the world gets to choose between hand-stirred and DSG six-coggers, only the DSG version will be available in South Africa - but the rest of the good stuff is all on parade, including the electric soft-top, dual-zone air conditioning, transverse electronic differential lock and a roll-over protection system.
TWO-LITRE TURBOPETROL
Motivation is, of course, provided by the same 155kW/280Nm, two-litre turbopetrol engine found in the tin-top GTI. In this significantly heavier body, VWSA quotes 0-100 in 7.3 seconds and 235km/h flat out, at a cost of 7.7 litres per 100 km and 180g/km.
The barchetta sports all the distinctive GTI styling cues, such as the red-framed honeycomb grille, special front bumper and rear diffuser, chromed tailpipes, LED tail lights, and 18” Detroit alloys wearing 225/40 low-profile takkies.
The fabric top is not only lighter than a CC-style hard top, but also quicker (down in nine seconds, up in 11, versus about 20 for the average folding hard top) and takes up far less space - even with the top down the GTI Cabriolet still has 250 litres of usable boot space.
The top itself consists of the linkage, a roofliner, insulating filler layer throughout and exterior cover. Mounted between the frames of the top linkage are a total of four roof cross-bows and the front roof-bow (the first large transverse element behind the windscreen frame).
When the roof is down the upper surface of the front roof bow covers the top surface of the roof storage box, obviating the need for a tonneau cover.
LUXURY TRIM
Whereas in Europe tartan fabric is standard and leather an option, South African GTI Cabriolet customers get to park their bums on Vienna leather sport seats with integrated lumbar support, adjusted by a button on the side of the seat.
The steering wheel, gear-shift cover and leather trim of the parking brake lever have decorative red seams, while the interior lining of the soft top is black, as are the trim covers of the roof pillars.
Standard issue includes front and rear parking sensors, an eight-speaker RCD 310 audio system, an easy entry function for the front seats and bag hooks on the side walls of the boot.
PRICE
2.0 TSI 155kW DSG - R397 900
That includes a three-year or 120 000km warranty and a five-year or 90 000km service plan. Service intervals are at 15 000km.