2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet Review

2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet. With an output of 155 kW / 210 PS (from 5,300 rpm to 6,200 rpm), the TSI engine which lies at the heart of the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet has exactly the same power as the classic GTI with a steel and/or panoramic sunroof. Specifically, this is a GTI direct-injection petrol engine of the EA888 series. The turbocharged 16-valve four-cylinder engine develops a maximum torque of 280 Newton metres at a low 1,700 rpm. And this torque remains available at a constant level up to 5,200 rpm – an ideal plateau for a torque curve, which is actually not curved any longer.

The TSI engine accelerates the most powerful Golf Cabriolet ever from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds. A special strength of the engine is its great flexibility: the manually shifted Cabriolet can accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h in just 10.5 seconds – this value shows why the open-top four-seat convertible is an ideal cruiser. The VW Golf GTI Cabriolet attains a top speed of 237 km/h (DSG: 235 km/h). This contrasts with a combined fuel consumption of just 7.6 l/100 km and 177 g/km as the equivalent CO2 emissions (DSG: 7.7 l/100 km and 180 g/km CO2). Incidentally, the Golf GTI is the only convertible in the compact class up to 210 PS to be offered with a dual clutch gearbox!

2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet Review

Like the classic Golf GTI with a fixed steel roof, the new convertible also exhibits visual trademarks of the GTI. They are the typical GTI insignia that have made their way into the collective memory of all car drivers over the past 36 years. At the front, they are the red framing of the radiator grille with its honeycomb structure and GTI signature, the honeycomb structure of the lower air inlets, the front GTI bumper and the GTI-specific fog lights with chrome surrounds. At the rear, the Golf GTI Cabriolet is distinguished by a new diffuser design, the typical chrome tailpipes (one on the left and one on the right) and smoked LED rear lights. The licence plate at the rear is also illuminated by LEDs. From the sides, the side sill extensions and 17-inch ‘Denver’ alloy wheels (on 225/45 tyres) make the convertible a GTI. Of course, here too 18-inch ‘Detroit’ GTI wheels with 225/40 tyres are available as an option.