In mid-December, Volkswagen threw out the first bait with a video of the new Golf R Cabriolet , which is also the last new model in the range of the outgoing sixth-generation Golf . Now, at the beginning of February, Volkswagen published the first information and photos of the model.
The design of VW's first ever R-logo open-top car is based on a hatchback. So you get more aggressive bumpers, sill extensions, LEDs for daytime running lights, bi-xenon front lights, a double exhaust tip or 18-inch (and 19-inch) wheels for an extra charge. Of course, the blue color , which is typical for the Golf R and the Scirocco R coupe, cannot be missing. The interior will offer sportier seats that are upholstered in Vienna Cool leather , as well as a sports steering wheel and R logos on the dashboard and steering wheel.
Under the hood is the same engine as in the classic Golf R – that is, a turbocharged four-cylinder with a volume of 2.0 liters . Compared to the closed Golf, however, the cabriolet has "only" 265 horsepower and only front-wheel drive. Instead of a permanent drive and a second axle, Volkswagen installed an electronic substitute for the limited-slip differential in the convertible, which is referred to as XDS . This helps the 6-speed DSG to better transfer power to the road.
Due to less power, the Golf R Cabriolet has worse dynamic parameters than the hatchback. In particular, it lags behind in acceleration by a noticeable 0.9 seconds (5.5 s for the hatch vs. 6.4 s for the convertible). Thanks to the electronic limiter, both have the same maximum speed of 250 km/h. VW is hiding other details for now.
The chassis of the car, lowered by 25 mm, promises that there will be no shortage of sporty driving. It will be an even more attractive experience when driving without the roof, which can be lowered in 9.5 seconds and up to a speed of 29 km/h. The first customers will enjoy this pleasure right after the world premiere in Geneva . Before that, however, they will have to pay at least 43,325 euros (approx. 1,111,000 CZK) at the dealer.
