Air-cooled Volkswagen

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet is the first official open-top version of the GTI hot hatch.自存倉 By Samuel EeOPEN-air motoring with hot hatch performance. That, apparently, was the idea behind the Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet - the first official GTI convertible in VW history. The result, however, may not be exactly as planned, especially if you are expecting the usual GTI capabilities. The Golf GTI Cabriolet is based on the sixth-generation GTI with the same two-litre 210 hp turbocharged engine to drive the front wheels through the brilliant six-speed dual-clutch gearbox (the latest GTI is the seventh-generation model with 220 hp).It has the same platform but strengthened to accommodate the convertible design. With the reinforcements totalling 160 kg of the roughly 1,500 kg kerb weight, its performance is somewhat blunted.So, while the GTI hatchback accelerates from zero to 100 kmh in 6.9 seconds, the GTI Cabriolet takes 7.3 seconds. The extra bracing does help in producing a pretty stiff body for the GTI Cabriolet though. There is virtually no body flex and some scuttle shake is obvious only from the slightly shaky image in the rear view mirror. There may be some body vibrations, however, and they work their way through to the steering wheel.But otherwise, the GTI Cabriolet does not have the same wobbly sensation that most hatchback-based convertibles manifest and it is arguably the best in its class.As for performance, there should also be no complaints. It may not be as hard-edged as an ordinary GTI hatch but it will perform close to the latter's level.Drive it in manual mo迷你倉新蒲崗e by using the steering wheel-mounted shift paddles and the Cabriolet zips in and out of traffic easily, with the ability to take fast corners satisfactorily.But because it is heavier than the GTI hatch, its suspension seems a bit softer. Even with the DCC Dynamic Chassis Control set to Sport, it isn't as firmly sprung as the metal-roofed GTI and that can make it feel a bit looser and less taut than the hatch.The real selling point here, however, is its open-top qualities. Unlike some of its competitors, it does not have a high and ungainly rear deck.The short windscreen frame also does not intrude into the cabin area, while the electrically operated fabric roof has an integrated rear glass window. The soft top also takes up less space in the boot when folded, and opening or closing it takes less than 10 seconds, even with the car travelling at up to 30 kmh. Driving with the top down is also a pleasant experience not only because there is relatively little wind buffeting but because the entire 250-litre boot is still accessible.With the GTI Cabriolet joining the Golf Cabriolet with a 1.4-litre twincharged engine, there are now two Golf convertibles to choose from - one in COE Category A and one in Cat B. The GTI is, of course, the sportier alternative.samuelee@sph.com.sgSPECSVolkswagen Golf GTI CabrioletEngine 1,984cc turbochargedTransmission 6-speed dual clutchMax power 210 hp @ 5,300-6,200 rpmMax torque 280 Nm @ 1,700-5,200 rpm0-100 kmh 7.3 secsTop speed 235 kmhCO2 emissions 180 g/kmAverage OMV $38,000Price $206,800 (with COE)Distributor Volkswagen Group SingaporeTel 6474 8288迷你倉出租