Making its world debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet features the GTI 2.0-litre TSI engine produces 207 hp, sportier exterior design and interior and precisely tuned running gear. The new VW cars will enter the market in summer.

The new Volkswagen Golf GTI cabriolet showcases the visual trademarks of the GTI that include the signature red-framed honeycomb grille and GTI badge, the front bumper that also has a large honeycomb air intake and the vertically positioned fog lights, as well as a new rear diffuser featuring chrome tailpipes. Similar to the GTI Coupe, the VW Golf GTI Cabriolet features smoked LED rear lights, LED license plate illumination, and side sill extensions.

Standard wheels are 17-inch “Denver” style alloys with five prominent openings, fitted with 225/45 tires. Showing the same styling, but with a machine-polished surface and contrasting black inner surfaces, are optional “Detroit” style 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 tires.

Inside, the new Volkswagen Golf GTI cabriolet comes with a more raked windshield frame and unique rear bench seat. It has sport front seats upholstered in the timeless “Jacky” tartan fabric; leather-covered seating is available as an option. True to the sporty nature, interior appointments include brushed stainless steel pedals, a unique GTI shift lever, and a flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel with a GTI emblem. The steering wheel and the shift and parking brake levers have decorative red seams. The cloth convertible top and A-pillars are lined in black. Also standard is automatic climate control, decorative chrome surrounds for light, window, and mirror controls, and the RCD 210 radio.

The new Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet accelerates from 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds, and can be quipped with a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG® (dual clutch gearbox) transmission, driving the front wheels. The turbocharged gasoline direct-injection engine develops a maximum torque of 207 lb-ft at a low 1700 rpm. The torque curve stays flat and constant up to 5300 rpm. The Cabriolet is not only equipped with electronic differential locks (EDS) in its ESP system; the GTI Cabriolet also has the XDS® transverse differential lock as standard. Even under full acceleration out of corners, the XDS® system ensures optimal grip and driving stability.

The fabric top of the VW Golf Cabriolet, which was designed for high speeds, was adopted unchanged 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 19 mph. When the top is up, this Volkswagen is one of the quietest convertibles available.