FastMotoring Motor News In Speed
A year ago, Volkswagen presented the new Golf Cabriolet at the Geneva International Motor Show. Now, at the same venue, the first GTI Cabriolet in the history of the Golf unveiled!
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The GTI engine crowns the open-top four-seater with 210PS of power of the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol direct-injection engine to the front axle, making it the most powerful Golf Cabriolet ever. GTI does not only mean more power, but also a sportier exterior and interior and precisely tuned running gear. The first Golf GTI Cabriolet models will be delivered just in time for the official arrival of summer.
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This model comes with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or 6-speed DSG version. At a low 1,700 rpm, the engine develops a maximum torque of 280 Nm, which stays constant up to 5,300 rpm. The Golf GTI Cabriolet accelerates to 100 km/h within 7.3 seconds in both gearbox versions. When the Cabriolet is driven with the roof up, its top speed is 237 km/h (DSG: 235 km/h). This contrasts with a combined fuel consumption of just 7.6 l/100 km, equivalent to CO2 emissions of 177 g/km (DSG: 7.7 l/100 km and 180 g/km CO2).
On the exterior, they are the red framing at the top and bottom of the radiator grille with its honeycomb structure and GTI signature, the front GTI bumper with a large air inlet screen and the typical vertically arranged fog lights, a new rear diffuser and chrome tailpipes on the left and right under the rear bumper. Similar to the GTI with a ‘permanent hard top’, this GTI also has dark-red LED rear lights, LED licence plate illumination and side sill extensions. The classic wheels on the GTI are the standard 17-inch ‘Denver’ type alloys with their five prominent openings, fitted with 225/45 tyres. Showing the same styling, but with a machine-polished surface and contrasting black inner surfaces are optional 18-inch alloy wheels for the Golf GTI Cabriolet – known as ‘Detroit’ (tyre size: 225/40).
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The interior of the new Cabriolet matches that of the classic GTI (except for a more raked windscreen frame and special rear bench). It also has sport seats upholstered in the classic and timeless tartan fabric (‘Jacky’), and leather seats (‘Vienna’) are available as an option. Integrated in the seats is a lumbar support, which is activated by a lever on the side of the seat. Naturally, this convertible also has pedals with brushed stainless steel caps, and a unique GTI gear shift lever in aluminium look; and of course a leather-trimmed steering wheel with grip recesses and a GTI emblem; and naturally the steering wheel, gear shift cover and leather trim of the parking brake lever have decorative red seams; and the interior lining of the soft top is black as are the trim covers of the roof pillars. Also standard: automatic climate control (Climatronic), chrome surrounds and the RCD 210 radio-CD system.
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The fabric top of the Golf Cabriolet, the basic construction of which was already designed for high speeds, was adopted 1:1 for the GTI. It is operated electro-hydraulically and takes just 9.5 seconds to open (and 11 seconds to close). The top may also be operated while driving at speeds of up to 30 km/h. When the top is up, this Volkswagen is one of the quietest convertibles available. The Golf GTI Cabriolet also exhibits top quality and safety attributes. Automatically deploying roll-over protection, front and side head/thorax airbags and a knee airbag on the driver’s side are always standard. Last but not least, the Golf GTI Cabriolet offers the most spacious interior in its class and a fully usable boot (250 litres), even when the top is down.
Photo Gallery: Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet
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