Geneva 2011: New Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet Mk6

The Golf Cabriolet series has been an on-off affair for Volkswagen ever since the introduction of the original model in the beginning of the 1980s. At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the Germans decided to give the Cabriolet another go with the presentation of a new model based on the 6th generation of the Golf that will be sold alongside the firm's Eos hardtop roadster.

The replacement of the roof with an electrically operated cloth top, the redesigned rear end and the more swept-back angle of the front windscreen frame along with the necessary structural reinforcements pretty much sum up the changes over the standard Golf hatchback upon which the Cabriolet is based.

At least in Europe, the Golf Cabriolet Mk6 will be offered with six direct-injection turbocharged diesel and gaosline engines with a power range from 105 PS to 210 PS. Scroll down for the photo gallery from the Geneva Show floors.

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Geneva 2011: Volkswagen R Exclusive-izes the Golf R (four times)

Get ready for four new Golf concepts from Volkswagen, all based on the recently hotted-up Golf R. With these four Golfs, Volkswagen R GmbH hopes to explore the themes of "especially high-end" and "especially sporty".

The more luxurious Golfs feature unique paint (Oryx White and Carbon Steel Grey), 19-inch Talladegas, aluminum trim, and Nappa leather interiors crafted by Volkswagen R Exclusive. The white one wears St. Tropez over black leather, while the dark gray one dons Almandine Red over black.

The two sporty Golfs come in Space Grey and Aplomb Blue and come with carbon fiber trim and mirror caps, racing buckets, and mo' Nappa. Of the sporty interpretations, the light gray one gets Pure Grey over Light Anthracite leather with orange piping, piano black seat backs, polished Talldega wheels, and orange brake calipers.

The blue one rolls on Brilliant Silver 19-inch Glendales; its buckets are wrapped in blue and black leather and have carbon fiber shells, while the steering wheel gets a small helping of carbon leather.

It's good to see Volkswagen's R GmbH doing its part to keep the customer individualization train running. Next stop: Jetta?

By Phil Alex

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Geneva Preshow: Volkswagen Lifts the Top off New Golf Cabriolet Mk6

The 2011 Geneva Motor Show will mark the return of the Cabriolet nameplate to the Golf range after an almost decade-long hiatus. Based on the underpinnings of the latest generation Golf hatchback, the two-door four-seater features a soft top with an electro-hydraulic drive that can be raised or lowered in only 9.5 seconds. The process can also be performed during driving at speeds of up to 30 km/h (19 mph).

The exterior styling is similar to the three-door Golf Mk6, with the Cabriolet featuring a unique rear section, lower profile roof line and more swept-back angle of its front windscreen frame.

Whereas previous Golf Cabriolets featured a fixed central rollbar, VW's newcomer gets a pop-up rollover protection system similar to the one found on its sister Audi model, the A3 Convertible. Minus the four-seat layout, the Cabriolet's interior is identical to that of the hatchback.

The Golf Cabriolet measures 4,215 mm in length, 1,424 mm in height and 1,779 mm in width, meaning its 208mm shorter than the Eos hardtop convertible. However, the two models share a 2,578 mm wheelbase, resulting in the same interior space for all four passengers. According to Volkswagen, with the roof down, the Cabriolet offers 250 litres of boot space.

In Europe, the convertible version of the Golf will be available with a choice of six turbocharged direct-injection engines whose power outputs range from 105HP to 210HP. These include four petrols (1.2-litre TSI 105HP, 1.4-litre TSI 122HP, 1.4-liter TSI 160HP and 2.0-liter TSI 210HP), and two diesels (1.6-liter TDI 105HP and 2.0-liter TDI 140HP).

The most fuel efficient version is the 1.6 TDI with 105 PS and BlueMotion Technology, which consumes 4.4 lt/100 km (53.5 mpg US) and emits 117 g/km of CO2.

In Germany, advance orders begin tomorrow with prices starting at €23.625.. Volkswagen did not say if or when the new Golf Cabriolet will be offered in North America.

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