Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet (2011 – 2016) Review
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Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet (2011 – 2016) At A Glance
Neatly styled drop-top version of the Golf. Quick-fold roof. Frugal BlueMotion models available plus impressive TSI petrols.
Legroom is tight in the back.
The Golf Cabriolet has always been a popular and instantly recognisable part of the Volkswagen line-up. So it’s all the more puzzling why it took nine years to replace it.
Since the old Cabriolet (which was a Golf III with a Golf IV nose grafted onto the front) went off sale in 2002, there’s been the Beetle Cabriolet and Eos, but neither of these drop-top Volkswagens has quite hit the spot in the same way as the Golf Cabriolet did.
So it’s back to the drawing board for the two-door, four-seater 2011 version, with a fabric roof that opens in just 9.5 seconds and sits smartly at the back of the car. Usefully, the top can also be operated on the move, at speeds up to around 18mph.
Part of the appeal comes from the wide range of engines. There are 1.2-litre TSI 105bhp, 1.4-litre TSI 160PS, 1.4-litre TSI 122PS and 2.0-litre TSI 210PS petrols and 1.6-litre TDI and 2.0-litre TDI 140PS diesels. 'BlueMotion Technology' modifications applied to the diesel promise high efficiency and low emissions.
At the back rear there are new LED lights and a deep crease in the bootlid to help it stand out from the standard Golf. Inside it's similar to the hatchback with the same design and layout. There are three trims - S, SE and GT - with all getting a good level of standard specification which includes 16-inch alloy wheels, a fully automatic electro-hydraulically operated soft top, DAB radio and Bluetooth.
To aid noise reduction and refinement, the Golf Cabriolet's fabric roof which has an additional exterior skin, as well as new window and door seals. When the top is down, the upper side of the leading edge (the bit that directly connects to the windscreen frame) covers the entire top surface of the roof storage box, eliminating the need for a separate cover.
This contributes to the very rapid opening time and means it does not need to descend as deep into the bootspace. Even with the roof down, there is 250 litres of available space.
Reviews for Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet (2011 – 2016)'s top 3 rivals
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Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet (2011 – 2016) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.2 TSI to R
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 30–67 mpg
Buyers are almost spoilt for choice when it comes to engines. Although you don't get quite the same range of powerplants that you would with the Golf hatchback, there's an impressive range for a cabriolet and a choice of five and six-speed manuals plus DSG seven-speed automatic gearboxes.
The 1.2-litre turbocharged TSI - which you'll find in many of the Volkswagen Group's small and medium cars - may be engine that kicks off the range, but its performance is anything but entry level. The 105PS unit is peppy, responsive and quick to get off the mark.
Its official 0-62mph time is 11.7 seconds, but around town it’ll fool you into thinking you’re driving something with a bit more grunt. Don't rule it out solely on the grounds of appearing too small for the job: although the Golf Cabriolet is some 200kg heavier than the hatchback, the 1.2-litre TSI never feels too strained.
The 1.4-litre TSI is a better bet for longer trips and comes with either 122PS or 160PS. It also gets the option of a seven-speed DSG automatic for those who don't want a manual. Out on the road, the 160PS is smooth, punchy and offers seamless changes when partnered with the DSG gearbox.
Changes can be made with the gear lever or paddles behind the steering wheel. Flick it into 'Sport' mode and the changes are sharpened, which makes it better suited to back roads. The lower power 1.4-litre TSI has a 0-62mph time pf 10.5 seconds, while the higher output engine comes in at 8.4 seconds. The 160PS version is most at home in the mid-range and is a relaxed cruiser in sixth.
At the top of the range is the 2.0-litre TSI with 210PS. In reality the power of the 1.4-litre TSI will be more than enough for most people and opting for the smaller engine means you save on road tax and fuel costs.
That said, it does come close to GTI performance, with a top speed of 146mph and a 0-62mph time of 7.3 seconds. Diesels are a 1.6-litre with 105PS and 2.0-litre with TDI 140PS. Both benefit from 'Bluemotion Technology' which cuts the engine when the car is at a standstill and battery regeneration to help save fuel.
This is the first time that a production Golf Cabriolet has done without a roll-over hoop and instead has pop-up bars that are activated in less time than the blinking of an eye if the car detects a roll. Those who drove the previous generation car will tell you that the roll-over hoop was there for another reason- to help stop the body from flexing. It was only partly successful and the old car shook on all but the smoothest of roads.
But cars have come a long way since then and even without the roll-over hoop, the Golf Cabriolet is a world away from its predecessor. In everyday driving, there's little to choose between the hatch and cabriolet when it comes to the rigidity of the body, meaning impressive refinement for a drop top.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 TSI | 48–54 mpg | 11.5–11.7 s | 115–139 g/km |
| 1.4 TSI | 44–51 mpg | 8.4–10.5 s | 123–150 g/km |
| 1.4 TSI DSG | 45–53 mpg | 8.4–10.5 s | 120–148 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI | 64 mpg | 12.1 s | 117 g/km |
| 2.0 GTI | 37–44 mpg | 7.3 s | 152–177 g/km |
| 2.0 GTI DSG | 37–44 mpg | 6.9–7.3 s | 152–180 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI | 60–66 mpg | 9.2–9.9 s | 109–125 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI 110 | 64–66 mpg | 11.7 s | 111 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI DSG | 55–60 mpg | 9.2–9.9 s | 125–134 g/km |
| R | 34 mpg | 6.4 s | 190 g/km |
| R DSG | - | - | 190 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet (2011 – 2016)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
83%
Real MPG
30–67 mpg
MPGs submitted
86
Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet (2011 – 2016) interior
- Boot space is 250 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4246–4266 mm |
| Width | 1782–2044 mm |
| Height | 1405–1423 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2578 mm |
The Golf Cabriolet does without the fancy folding metal roof of the Eos – and that’s no bad thing. It not only folds down in a rapid 9.5 seconds, but also neatly in a Z-shape.
It sits seamlessly in the gap between the main body of the car and the boot and doesn’t eat into boot space. It's significantly quicker than all the tin tops, shaving between 10 and 15 seconds off the time it takes a Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet or Peugeot 308 CC to lower their roofs. Even the similarly-sized and canvas-roofed BMW 1 Series Convertible takes 22 seconds.
Up front there's plenty of room for two and highly adjustable, suportive seats. It's not such a good story for those in the back. The two rear passengers don't get much in the way of legroom while headroom is restricted with the roof up, which means the rear is really better suited to children.
When the well insulated roof it up, the Golf Cabriolet is surprisingly quiet with little or no road noise. Make no mistake, this is a state-of-the-art roof with first-rate roofliners and insulation. It's a similar story when the roof is dropped. Although there's the expected turbulence and rustle at speed, it's still possible to hold a conversation - even when you're on the motorway.
Boot space is a fairly generous (for its size) 250 litres, which is more than enough for a couple of weekend bags. But it’s an odd shape with only a small hatch and a very flat opening. It means that you need to reach into the boot to get items that are towards the back. Despite the stylish looks, there is a nod to practicality with 50:50 split/folding rear seats.
Unlike the Audi A3 Cabriolet - which the Golf owes much too - there are no rollover hoops. Instead Volkswagen has opted for discreet rollover protection modules, which are contained within the bodywork and deployed in milliseconds if the car is rolled. It gives the Golf Cabriolet a much cleaner and sleeker look than the Audi.
Safety equipment is impressive too and includes an active roll-over protection system, ABS, ESP, airbags all round and a driver's knee airbag. In addition to the active safety equipment, protection is built into the Golf Cabriolet's design.
A reinforced window frame and structural modifications to the underbody, side panels, cross-members and doors give it an extremely high level of torsional rigidity which benefits safety, comfort and refinement.
Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet (2011 – 2016) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4246–4266 mm |
| Width | 1782–2044 mm |
| Height | 1405–1423 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2578 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1395–1614 kg |
| Boot Space | 250 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 18000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Space-saving spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £22,070–£33,920 |
| Insurance Groups | 15–39 |
| Road Tax Bands | B–J |
| Official MPG | 34.4–65.7 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
On sale until July 2019
| Cabriolet | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.2 TSI 105ps S 2dr | £22,880 | 54.3 mpg | 11.5 s |
| 1.4 TSI 125ps S 2dr | £23,765 | 51.4 mpg | 9.9 s |
| 1.4 TSI 125ps S DSG 2dr | £25,180 | 52.3 mpg | 9.9 s |
| 1.4 TSI 125ps SE 2dr | £24,700 | 51.4 mpg | 9.9 s |
| 1.4 TSI 125ps SE DSG 2dr | £26,115 | 52.3 mpg | 9.9 s |
| 1.4 TSI 150ps GT 2dr | £28,015 | 51.4 mpg | 8.8 s |
| 1.4 TSI 150ps GT DSG 2dr | £29,430 | 53.3 mpg | 8.8 s |
| 2.0 TDI 110ps S 2dr | £24,740 | 65.7 mpg | 11.7 s |
| 2.0 TDI 110ps SE 2dr | £25,675 | 65.7 mpg | 11.7 s |
| 2.0 TDI 150ps GT 2dr | £28,520 | 65.7 mpg | 9.2 s |
| 2.0 TDI 150ps GT DSG 2dr | £29,935 | 60.1 mpg | 9.2 s |
| 2.0 TDI 150ps SE 2dr | £27,070 | 65.7 mpg | 9.2 s |
| 2.0 TDI 150ps SE DSG 2dr | £28,485 | 60.1 mpg | 9.2 s |
| 2.0 TSI 220ps GTI DSG 2dr | £32,990 | 43.5 mpg | 6.9 s |
On sale until April 2017
| Cabriolet | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.2 TSI 110ps S 2dr | £22,540 | 54.3 mpg | - |
| 1.4 TSI 125ps S 2dr | £23,300 | 51.4 mpg | - |
| 1.4 TSI 125ps S DSG 2dr | £24,715 | 52.3 mpg | - |
| 1.4 TSI 125ps SE 2dr | £24,350 | 51.4 mpg | - |
| 1.4 TSI 125ps SE DSG 2dr | £25,765 | 52.3 mpg | - |
| 1.4 TSI 150ps GT 2dr | £27,405 | 51.4 mpg | - |
| 1.4 TSI 150ps GT DSG 2dr | £28,820 | 53.3 mpg | - |
| 2.0 TDI 110ps S 2dr | £24,770 | 64.2 mpg | - |
| 2.0 TDI 110ps SE 2dr | £25,705 | 65.7 mpg | - |
| 2.0 TDI 150ps GT BlueMotion Technology 2dr | £27,910 | 65.7 mpg | - |
| 2.0 TDI 150ps GT BlueMotion Technology DSG 2dr | £29,325 | 60.1 mpg | - |
| 2.0 TDI 150ps SE BlueMotion Technology 2dr | £26,720 | 65.7 mpg | - |
| 2.0 TDI 150ps SE BlueMotion Technology DSG 2dr | £28,135 | 60.1 mpg | - |
| 2.0 TSI 220ps GTI DSG 2dr | £32,475 | 43.5 mpg | - |
On sale until July 2015
| Convertible | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| GT 1.4 TSI 160 2dr | £26,715 | 44.1 mpg | 8.4 s |
| GT 1.4 TSI 160 DSG 2dr Auto | £28,015 | 44.8 mpg | 8.4 s |
| GT 2.0 TDI 140 BMT 2dr | £27,180 | 62.8 mpg | 9.9 s |
| GT 2.0 TDI 140 BMT DSG 2dr Auto | £28,610 | 55.4 mpg | 9.9 s |
| GTI 2.0 TSI 210 2dr | £30,510 | 37.2 mpg | 7.3 s |
| GTI 2.0 TSI 210 DSG 2dr Auto | £31,810 | 36.7 mpg | 7.3 s |
| S 1.2 TSI 105 2dr | £22,070 | 47.9 mpg | 11.7 s |
| S 1.4 TSI 122 2dr | £22,765 | 44.1 mpg | 10.5 s |
| S 1.4 TSI 122 DSG 2dr Auto | £24,065 | 44.8 mpg | 10.5 s |
| S 1.6 TDI 105 BMT 2dr | £23,540 | 64.2 mpg | 12.1 s |
| SE 1.4 TSI 122 2dr | £23,815 | 44.1 mpg | 10.5 s |
| SE 1.4 TSI 122 DSG 2dr Auto | £25,115 | 44.8 mpg | 10.5 s |
| SE 1.6 TDI 105 BMT 2dr | £24,590 | 64.2 mpg | 12.1 s |
| SE 2.0 TDI 140 BMT 2dr | £25,990 | 62.8 mpg | 9.9 s |
| SE 2.0 TDI 140 BMT DSG 2dr Auto | £27,420 | 55.4 mpg | 9.9 s |
On sale until October 2014
| Convertible | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| R 2.0 TSI 265 DSG 2dr Auto | £33,920 | - | - |
On sale until April 2014
| Convertible | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| R 2.0 2dr TSI 2dr Auto | £33,475 | 34.4 mpg | 6.4 s |
Model History
- February 2011: New Golf Cabriolet unveiled
- September 2012: Volkswagen introduces GTI version of its Golf Cabriolet
February 2011
New Golf Cabriolet unveiled
The two-door, four-seater, front-engined soft top is the first Golf Cabriolet available since the Mk IV Golf. Measuring 4,215 mm in length, 1,424 mm in height and 1,779 mm in width, the Golf Cabriolet is smaller than the Eos. Yet despite being 208 mm shorter than the Eos, the cars share a 2,578 mm wheelbase, resulting in maximum interior space for all four passengers.
Electrically-powered soft top can be lowered in just 9.5 seconds including on the move at speeds up to around 18 mph, a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines as well as the highest levels of quality, refinement and safety.
Golf VI Cabriolet will be offered in the UK with a choice of trim levels – S, SE and GT – and all will have a high level of standard specification which is likely to include 16-inch alloy wheels, a fully automatic electro-hydraulically operated soft top, DAB radio and Bluetooth.
Safety equipment will include an active roll-over protection system, ABS, ESP, airbags all round and a driver’s knee airbag. In addition to active safety equipment, protection is built into the Golf Cabriolet’s design. A reinforced window frame and structural modifications to the underbody, side panels, cross-members and doors endow the new car with an extremely high level of torsional rigidity which benefits safety, comfort and refinement.
Golf VI Cabriolet’s fabric roof has an additional exterior skin, as well as new window and door seals. The heated rear windscreen is integrated in the soft top with high frequency welding. When the top is down, the upper side of the leading edge (the segment the directly connects to the windscreen frame) covers the entire top surface of the roof storage box, eliminating the need for a separate cover. This contributes to the very rapid opening time, and means it does not need to descend as deep into the bootspace. Even with the roof down, there is 250 litres of available space.
A choice of six engines will be available: three from launch (a 1.2-litre TSI 105 PS, 1.4-litre TSI 160 PS and a 1.6-litre 105 PS TDI) and a further three later in the year (a 1.4-litre TSI 122 PS, 2.0-litre TSI 210 PS and a 2.0-litre TDI with 140 PS). BlueMotion Technology modifications will be applied to the diesel engines to ensure high efficiency and low emissions.
Volkswagen UK plans to begin taking orders for the new Golf Cabriolet in July 2011, with the first UK customer orders arriving in September 2011. More details and pricing information will be available closer to launch.
September 2012
Volkswagen introduces GTI version of its Golf Cabriolet
On sale in the UK from September 2012 and prices are expected to start at more than £27,000, making it the most expensive model in the Golf Cabriolet range.
It features all the traditional GTI styling cues, like a honeycomb grille with red surround, and a winder stance, accomplished by the addition of new side sill extensions. A rear diffuser, 17 inch alloy wheels and smoked rear lenses complete the look.
Power comes from the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that is fitted to the GTI hatchback . Maximum power is 210PS, with a 0-62mph sprint time of 7.3 seconds – 0.4 seconds slower than the hatch. Top speed is 147mph, or 146mph with the optional DSG gearbox. Peak torque is 280Nm available from 1700rpm.
In the cabin the Golf GTI Cabriolet features traditional tartan upholstery, with a leather steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake, all embellished with high contrast red stitching. Leather seats are an optional extra. As with all Golf Cabriolet models, the GTI comes with automatically deploying rollover protection, front and side head/thorax airbags and a driver’s knee airbag as standard.
What to watch out for
Warranty on DSG extended to 5 years or 150,000 kilometres in Russia, China and Australia.
13-03-2013:Problem with the heated rear window in the convertible top seems to have resulted in a number of complete tops having to be replaced.
26-11-2015:Volkswagen announced fix for EA189 1.6TDI and 2.0TDI engines. A “flow transformer” will be fitted directly in front of the air mass sensor on the EA189 1.6TDI engine. This is a mesh that calms the swirled airflow in front of the air mass sensor and will improve the measuring accuracy of the air mass sensor. (The air mass sensor determines the air mass throughput, which is a very important parameter for the engine management for an optimum combustion process.)In addition, a software update will be performed on the 1.6TDI. The workshop time is expected to be less than a hour. The EA189 2.0TDI engines will get a software update. The programming time for this will be around half an hour. The objective is still to achieve the applicable emission targets without any adverse effects on the engine output, fuel economy and performance. However, as all model variants first have to be measured, the achievement of these targets cannot yet be finally confirmed. Based on this, service concepts are currently being developed for all 28 EU markets concerned. The aim is to implement the update in the first vehicles during a recall starting in January 2016. However, to compete the entire recall is likely to take until the end of 2016. Volkswagen will contact all customers and endeavour to consider individual customer needs during the implementation of the recall to avoid any disadvantages for the customer such as possible loss of mobility. All customers will be offered free courtesy cars if required. Since the beginning of October 2015, all Volkswagen customers have been able to check for themselves whether their vehicle is affected by the diesel issue. At www.volkswagen.de/info every customer can enter their vehicle identification number to obtain clear information.
09-12-2015:'Official' CO2 and fuel economy figures of 2016MY VW Golf Cabrio 2.0l TDI BMT 81kW EU6 five speed manual to be reviewed but true figures are only very slightly worse.
07-03-2016:DSG fault reported on 44k mile 2013 Golf cabriolet. Dealer prescribed replacing gearbox "head", which we guess must be the Mechatronics.
11-01-2018:Report of leak into boot of 2012 VW GOLF GT TSI Cabriolet. The water gathers in the spare wheel recess but the trim that covers it is damp/wet in some areas and not others. Interior of the car shows no sign of dampness and all the footwells are dry.
05-04-2018:No official word from VAG, but ECU testing believes that the DQ200 7-speed dry cutch Mechatronics control box was finally re-engineered in 2016. This DSG 7 control unit is a common failure with engines under 2.0 litres on the VW Golf (2003 – 2016)
20-03-2019:Report of 2014 VW Golf 1.6TDI cabrio with 8,000 miles running faultlessly until called in for the EA189 NOX emissions fix, after which it went into limp home mode on the motorway. Recovered with a fuel injector fault code that was cleared and subsequently hasn't come back.
19-06-2019:Report of DQ200 clutch pack of 2012 VW Golf 1.4TSI DSG cabrio developing an intermittent judder when opulling away in 1st gear. It quickly changes up to 2nd and "shudders" as if wanting to stall. Local VW dealer diagnosed failing turbo and replaced it at enormous cost but this did not solve the problem.
