Review Car

For at least a decade now the “R” model identifier has referred to the most powerful Volkswagen cars in the compact class. So far, they have always been cars with solid steel roofs and some with sliding sunroofs. Now, Volkswagen is introducing an open-top R model for the first time: the new Golf R Cabriolet. This sports car will be delivered to customers by spring 2013; and these early purchasers will be driving the most powerful and fastest Golf Cabriolet cars ever. Tremendous propulsive power is generated by a 2.0-litre turbo engine with direct petrol injection (TSI) that develops 195 kW / 265 PS. Maximum torque is just as important to dynamic performance: from a low 2,500 rpm, the crankshaft of the TSI thrusts 350 Nm of torque to the standard 6-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG). This high torque level remains constant up to 5,000 rpm: an impressive torque characteristic and highly agile handling properties are key ingredients of the new Golf R Cabriolet.

Drivers who make use of the car’s full power potential can accelerate the open-top Golf to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds. The car’s top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. The 6-speed DSG is an ideal partner here, shifting quickly and without any interruptions in power transfer. Since the open-top sports car already has lots of power at the lowest revs, and the engine very seldom needs to rev fast, fuel consumption is lower than would be expected for such a high powered car: 8.2 l/100 km (equivalent to 190 g/km CO2).

As the new range-topping Golf Cabriolet model, in additional to offering standard features such as rollover protection, this model will also feature bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, sport seats (front), leather upholstery, automatic climate control, audio system with CD player, sport chassis and bumpers with a unique motorsport design. However, another key feature of this Golf Cabriolet is its soft top, which ensures a refined drive even when driving at the highest of speeds. It has a standard electro-hydraulic opening mechanism that opens the roof in 9.0 seconds. The exceptionally sporty and well-equipped Golf R Cabriolet will cost 43,325 euros in its domestic market of Germany.