Friday, May 27, 2011

2012 Volkswagen (VW) Golf Cabriolet Review

As more than 680,000 units of the old VW Golf convertible frame, including the new Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet has a classic soft top - that is, a fabric top. Why steel bottom and not in Eos? A glance at the new model is revealing to a length of 4246 mm, Golf Cabriolet has a design much more compact than 4,423 mm long Eos. Both vehicles enjoy independent approaches to style, positioning and design Cabriolet.


The upper part of the Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet

Although Volkswagen is using a soft top in golf, the four seats is one of the quietest convertibles. Make a soft quiet because the sophisticated design of the fabric roof and new windows and door seals. wind noise in the frequency range above 5000 Hz is perceived as particularly annoying because they make it difficult to maintain a conversation while driving (Articulation Index). Volkswagen has examined in-depth articulation index and evaluation of experiences in other vehicles. The results: Golf Cabriolet really sets a new standard for audio in convertibles.

The canopy consists of a link, a headliner, the insulating layer of filling and cover anywhere in the world outside. Perfection in daily practice: the development team has developed seams seams along the outer cover (central portion and two side panels), so they serve as auxiliary gutter. Aerodynamic perfection: mounted between the longitudinal frame of the upper bar is a total of 4 roof bows and cross the arc of roof said before (the first major cross member behind the frame of the windshield). However, the hood attached to the roof bows with fixing screws retaining bands of tissue. Therefore, even at higher speeds, stoftag not fill with air. And it has a positive effect on aerodynamics.


When the roof is folded, the upper surface of the arc front roof covers the upper surface of the storage box. This eliminates the need for a separate document. Results: The higher standard fully automatic electro-hydraulic opening (9.0 seconds) and closes (11.0 seconds) faster. In addition, it does not descend so deeply into the largest boot space (250 liters with the roof up or down).

Start activities are carried out a key switch in the center console. Opening and closing is possible even while driving - up to 30 km / h. Two hydraulic pumps activated by a key switch to produce the required pressure. Also in this area have paid special attention to ensure that the least possible noise generated, for example, a hydraulic power unit is sealed with insulation. Recognition form and the final speed of the Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet has a soft lead block electro-mechanical systems. It works fully automatically. This means that the cartridge or manual locking device is needed. System to identify, through a 2 micro-switches, if the roof is fully open or closed, and tells the driver OK to drive an audible and visual message (in multi-display).

To ensure a good view behind the car, was the top of the heated rear glass window designed to be particularly important for a cabriolet, it is connected to the hood of what is known as high-frequency welding.


Security Golf Cabriolet

Rollover protection: Since 1979, when the first Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet was introduced, all generations of the models in this series had a roll bar. Should be, because in the early years of the Golf Cabrio automatic deployment of the protection of bearing systems had not been invented yet. When such systems first emerged in late 1980 that were hardly suitable for affordable car as a Golf Cabriolet. This changed in 2003, when Volkswagen introduced the New Beetle Cabriolet with ROPS can be done from behind the rear seats. The system was modified for the Eos, and - in the final stages of development - now is the protection of the occupants of the Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet too.

Rollover protection element implemented Golf races on the rear head restraints, within 0.25 seconds of the vehicle exceeds a pre-tilt angle and lateral acceleration. The two modules rollover consist of one fixed and one of the aluminum profile aluminum profile in the cabinet, which is pre-stressed spring. Built-in switch profile as in the rest position solenoid. Once triggered by the airbag control the reaction of an imminent rollover, the solenoid opens the arrest, detention and release embedded profile. Even if you shoot up, the support is mounted toothed still exceeded the internal profile, and to avoid intra-descent profile.

The highlight of the redesigned system for Golf: The 2 deployable modules were designed to be much more compact. For the first time in a Volkswagen convertible with Rollover Protection deployable, it was possible to transport a cargo pass-through with a width of 526 mm and a height of 381 mm, including a folding rear seatback. Earlier there were only a ski pass-through in this area.


Body Reinforcements: The Golf Cabriolet offers maximum security with all its system of protection against overturning, a reinforced windshield frame and many other structural changes (underbody, side panels, beams, doors). Because of its many reinforcements, 4.25 meter long, 1.78 meters wide (top up) 1.42 meters High Golf Cabriolet also show extreme torsional stiffness. Some of these reinforcements is visible when the convertible is seen from below, as when Cabrio and a "normal" side stand golf side on a raised platform. In a visual comparison, observers are significant differences in rocker. In front of a convertible aluminum crankcase, and with its accessories, which increases stiffness. In addition, engine mount, which acts as a vibration damper, adds sophistication to the front.

On both sides of the car, two side reinforcements threshold region, and two diagonal front and rear, and rear frame of the joint lead to further gains in rigidity and significantly reduces sound vibrations in your body.

This is called the coefficient of static torsional rigidity when a value of more than 13,500 Newton meters per degree, the first torsional resonance frequency is above 17.5 Hz - first for a convertible. And this rigidity, which is also a critical factor for optimum driving stability and ride comfort is quite remarkable. Meanwhile the body protects galvanized against rust of the car.

air bag systems specific security Cabriolet Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet in complement with reinforcements in the front doors and side airbags as standard head and chest. These are designed especially for a convertible, of course, is impossible to mount side airbags in the roof surface. head-thorax airbags integrated into the seatback sides then deployed along with the driver and front passenger throughout the interior height of the Golf Cabriolet. A standard knee airbag is also included in the driver's side. In combination with safety belts, air bag absorbs energy from the region of the pelvis and legs, leading to a reduction in the burden of the occupants. Taking even more: with the knee airbag, the driver is built into the mode of the deceleration of the vehicle before the thighs and pelvis. Activates the rotation of the upper body precisely so that the driver's airbag can contact support and upper body at an optimum angle.

The knee airbag mode of operation shows the true complexity of the interconnection of security systems.

Styling for the VW Golf Cabriolet

Front: front view, this convertible is a type golf course. However, the convertible has a sportier look in this context because the windshield through the roof. A picture of the results particularly strong when the convertible is controlled by the bi-xenon option. In this case, the light of day consists of 15 LEDs automatically integrated into the dual headlamp housing.

Back: LED smoked tail lights have been adapted from three and five-door Golf. Naturally, designers and engineers redesigned the same back. The convertible trunk extending down into the bumper, and rises again, making it easy to store luggage or shopping items. A stylish chrome strip to form a visual contrast between the lower edge of the hood and trunk, this chrome strip extends continuously to the studs A.

Side profile: Seen from the side profile, 3 Cabriolet has a style particularly appealing to the eye: the windshield more pulled back, visually very short boots and soft top included in these style lines. When the hood is down, the convertible Golf has an elegant look and expanded. With the hood, which reflects the compact design and sharp lines around the imaginary C-pillar and start the uniqueness of the previous model and transfer it to modern times - covering a decade.

By default, leave the Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet Osnabrück works with a weight-optimized 16-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers attractive and 205 tires. Five different alloy wheels are also available (a 16-inch, three 17-inch, 18 inch).

Indoor Golf Cabriolet

Very clear - the convertible version of the Gulf follows the style and high quality materials hardtop Golf Classic 1:1 in its interior. The result is a degree of sophistication that would be available only in much more expensive convertible. As he puts before Eos Gulf itself many other convertible cars in the compact class in a central aspect of its interior: windshield frame is refreshingly short, the sense of maximizing Cabrio. In addition, it offers Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet largest internal length in its class. Customers in the back pay special attention to 833 mm for legs effectively.

A similar project is implemented Eos, top-off switch is on the center console between the driver and passenger seats. Features include a redesigned rear seat and the seat cover material. Golf Cabriolet also has a convenient Easy Entry front seats as standard, which makes rear passengers enter and exit the car.

There is a handy bag hooks on the sides of the 250 liters of luggage space, located just off the hooks are remote trigger mechanism to fold the 50/50 split rear seats. When the folder is folded, thereby adding additional storage capacity thanks to a very large pass-through opening.


The democratization of convertible

In 1979, Volkswagen had already democratized the open-top driving with the first VW Golf Cabriolet. To lay the foundations of this democracy movement 30 years earlier, was Beetle Cabrio. The new Golf convertible is also the incarnation of this philosophy. Another aspect relates to its legendary predecessors as well: it frees up class boundaries. So, try to establish that the bank balance of its male and female drivers is really a waste of time.

Golf Cabriolet Standard Features

The German model will be launched starting price of EUR 23,625 (VW Golf Cabriolet 1.2 TSI 77 kW / 105 hp). This is of course more than a relatively Golf Trendline with a sunroof, but is considerably lower than most other four-seat convertible in this category. The price difference with a classic built a "hard top" Golf is a soft body reinforcements and activation is also a sophisticated electro-hydraulic drive system and active rollover protection. Thus, the new Golf will help you choose to drive all year, and convertible. And his list of standard features is quite long.

What exactly does get a € 23 625? A four-seater with fully automatic hood, roll-over protection of automatic implementation, a strong frame for the windshield, an effective network of airbags and ESP, including Hill Climb assistance, support and cons of e-stabilization trailer, and daytime running lights. This is a brief description of its functions related to security. However, the Golf Cabriolet 1.2 TSI has more to offer ...

Just as the Eos, Passat CC, Touareg and Phaeton, Volkswagen also offers a deliberately one device line Golf cabriolet. Therefore, a comparison is difficult to top Golf Trendline is not perfect, because the Cabriolet is the property, inside and out, or devices that are progressive or land has been changed lines convertible hard top counterparts.

Standard aspect: in front of the Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet is equipped with chrome fins of the radiator grille and the rear of the characteristics of smoked LED tail lights and bumper-style sports. Start-pillar-pillar, the chrome strip surrounds the side windows and the soft. Also standard: a green thermal insulation glass, 205 tires from 16 inches to form a weight-optimized wheel covers, and, of course, electro-hydraulic soft.

interior features and functionality standard: Many interior elements of the car include the basic details that have a positive effect on life on board. They include air conditioning, reading lights front (2), Hill Climb Assist, length and vertical adjustment of the steering column, and - technology BlueMotion models - a start / stop system and energy recovery braking (regenerating batteries). Standard features include power mirrors, steering systems electro-mechanical, remote wireless door locks, and dust and pollen filter with a charcoal insert. Moreover, again by default: the comfort of the seats adjustable in height (front) in "Scout" padding, chrome button buttons for power windows, decorative chrome edges around the instruments and vents, lots of storage, Easy Entry for rear passengers and a 3-spoke steering wheel, offering a good grip.

The glovebox can be cooled, and the rear seat folded back with a 50:50 distribution.

Buyers who adds system RCD 310 radio / CD for the car setup for € 655 - with 6 speakers, 4 x 20 watts of audio power, MP3 compatible, AUX-IN multimedia power and a dual tuner - pay a total of € 24 280 and really all they need to enjoy life in the convertible.

Optional Features Golf Cabriolet

Despite this, it must have sufficient space to adapt the car, as represented by a bit 'of freedom. Along with individual extras classic, 7 pre-packs are available for the new Golf convertible, which offers a combination of price advantage, "Performance", "Design & Style," "Comfort", "Technology," "Light & Sight" "Mirror" and "Winter" packages.

New convertible buyers can choose between two packages of "Performance" and "Design and Style." "Design and Style" is essentially the first extension level for the manufacture of the Volkswagen even more exclusive and sporty. Performance, meanwhile, includes all the features of "Design and Style" package and adds many other details such as leather. Both packages are coupled with alloy wheels.

"Design & Style Pack"

Those who choose "Design & Style" pack (910 euros) is treated as features sport seats with new upholstery styles of Alcantara (panel seat center) and "catch up" padding (lateral seat supports), a 3-spoke steering wheel "Leather Cool" (less heat in sunlight), pedals with stainless steel lid, leather-wrapped parking brake handle and gear lever, sewing chrome on the light switch, rotary switches chrome the mirror control, "Black Stripe" trim for instrument panel and door trim, map pockets on the backs of front seats and lumbar support in front.

"Performance Package"

The package of performance (€ 3295) contains, in addition to "Design and Style" details, features such as leather "Vienna" style ("fresh leather) with heated seats and lumbar support in front, carpet floor of fabrics, a rain sensor mirror auto-dimming mirrors, pedal steel, other exterior chrome details and bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, dynamic and static light curve, automatic headlights with "Leaving home "and" return home "function, the lighting of LED technology board and front fog lamps with chrome trim. The" performance package "is coupled to an audio system.

"Comfort Pack"

The "Comfort Pack" (455 euros), includes a wind deflector, front center armrest with storage and 12-volt accessory outlet, a storage room at the front of the rear seating area, a second 12V outlet in the trunk and the cruise control system.

"Technology Pack"

For only 65 euros, the "technology package", add a rain sensor wipers, auto dip mirror rear view, two lights in the region for the feet, running the automatic transmission of light with "Exit house" and " Coming Home "features and automated lighting control to help the main beam (dipping the lights automatically when oncoming traffic is present or the traffic before the car is very close). The "technology package" is coupled to the Parkpilot (540 euros) and the multifunction display "more" (55 euros).

"Pack Light & Sight"

For those not wishing to include the driver's Park, multifunction display "more" or support system to the Light (price: 142 euros) in the "technology package" may order "Pack Light and Vision" separately for 175 euros. Consists of the rain sensor, automatic dimming rearview mirror, lights, light of foot and automatic with "Leaving Home" and "Coming Home" function.

"Pack Mirror"

This package complements the "Pack Light and Vision", with a power folding exterior mirrors, mirror on the passenger side enabled the reduction of investment and ambient lighting.

"Winter Pack"

The "Winter Pack", which traditionally offered in Volkswagen and many are often restricted makes driving in the coldest season easier. This package has automatic heated windshield washer nozzles, headlight cleaning system, heated front seats and seeing the water level washing down. Price: 415 €. When ordering, as well as leather interior lights or xenon, the price is reduced to 285 euros, and those who choose leather and xenon pay only € 55th

16 -, 17 - and 18-inch light alloy wheels

16-inch alloy wheels is a program, "Atlanta" with five double spokes and tires 205. 17-inch format, Volkswagen offers three models of wheel Volkswagen Golf Cabrio: "Seattle" (5-twin-spoke), "Porto" (10 races), and "Salamanca" (10 races). 18-inch wheel is the "Charleston (5 twin-spoke) and painted the base black circle. All 17-inch alloy rims 225 tires delivered.

Individual characteristics

The unique features of the packages are also available separately. They want to further increase the degree of customization can be ordered in almost all the extras available for the golf hard top roof. The most important settings are the technologies and systems, such as Park Pilot (acoustic and visual display through the sound system when parking), sports suspension (15mm lower), automatic climate control (Climatronic), leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel , MEDIA-IN (USB), RCD 310 radio CD or radio navigation systems, CD-RNS 315 (navigation function to RCD 310) and RNS 510 (including DVD-ROM drive, 30 GB hard drive, touch screen, traffic display and an SD card slot) and two different preparations of cellular mobile telephone operators.

The colors and seat versions

Exterior Painting: Buyers of the Golf Cabriolet can choose between 9 body colors to market launch. They start with painting flat "Pure White" (default). It is followed by a 7 optional metallic shades. "Dark Purple", "Blue Shark," "Sunset Red", "Reflex silver", "Tungsten Silver", "United Grey" and "Blue Night" which also offers pearl paint "Deep Black", which is well secure a special opportunity.

Upholstery: 9 different locations covering the colors visually from outside. Standard finish is a "Scout" Cabriolet "Black Titan". At the next level, the seat covers "Scout / Merlin" is available in alternative colors "Black Titan" and "Pearl Grey", which supports the seat bars are made of "Merlin" design and a rough surface of the seat fabric "Scout ".

Those who choose "Design & Style" package automatically ergonomic sport seats covered with a fabric combination Alcantara / ("Catch Up" model of tissue) with the shade of color "Titanium Black" or "Titanium Black / Sunset Red." In this case, the inner surfaces of the seat side supports to "catch up" fabric (for "Sunset Red" seat decorative stitches are too red).

filling "Vienna" leather is optional fresh in combination with the "performance package" in the Golf Cabriolet, which includes sport front seats. Leather can be configured in one of the 4 color tones "truffle", "Black", "Ceramic" or "Salsa Red."

sustainable yield can

6, direct injection turbo is ideal for a cruise with a convertible. They cover a power range from 77 kW / 105 hp to 155 kW / 210 hp. Also fun is the fuel for fast, efficient transport of high-tech dual-clutch (DSG), which is available with four engines. Gasoline engines (TSI) and two diesel (TDI) will be available for energy-saving BlueMotion technology (regeneration of the battery and start / stop systems.) Illustrating the effectiveness using the new Volkswagen Golf is the fuel Cabriolet 105 hp 1.6 TDI BlueMotion technology: offers a combined fuel consumption of just 4.4 litres/100 km (equal to 117 g / km of CO2).

1.2 TSI 77 kW / 105 hp

1.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder TSI followed contractions in principle, only 1197 cm3. It delivers maximum power with minimum fuel consumption. BlueMotion technology package is available here as an alternative to the Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet version. 77 kW / 105 HP Convertible accelerates to 100 km / h in 11.7 seconds. Its top speed is 188 km / h. This contrasts with the fuel economy and emission values ​​of open standards for petrol-powered cars: 5.9 per 100 liters (139 g / km CO2), the standard version or 5.7 l/100 km and 132 g / km of CO2 BlueMotion technology. 1.2 TSI outputs its maximum power at 5000 rpm. Its maximum torque of 175 Nm is available between 1550 and 4100 rpm. 1.2 TSI delivered a 6-speed manual transmission is standard.

1.4 TSI 90 kW / 122 PS

In the next power level, the new Golf Cabriolet is powered by the efficient operation of the 1.4-liter TSI with 90 kW / 122 hp (at 5,000 rpm). This engine can be combined with an optional dual-clutch transmission 7-speed. Both versions will follow this fall. The four-cylinder engine develops a maximum torque of 200 Nm between 1500 and 4000 rpm. (All fuel economy and driving performance for the Golf Cabriolet 1.4 TSI 122 hp of names in this news release sets of values.)

With a combined fuel consumption of 6.4 litres/100 km (equal to 149 g / km of CO2), the turbo engine makes the convertible with a manual transmission for fuel efficient cars in its class power. The TSI of 122 hp can reach a top speed of 197 km / h. This includes the classic Golf Cabriolet 0-100 km / h in 10.5 seconds. Driving performance is the same version DSG, combined fuel consumption is even better than the 6.3 liters per 100 km (147 g / km of CO2).

1.4 TSI with 118 kW / 160 PS

The Twincharger of 118 kW / 160 hp (at 5,800 rpm), which is stimulated by two turbochargers and overeating, can also be combined with a gearbox DSG 7 speeds. It's like a more efficient 1.4 TSI. Fuel consumption combined with a manual transmission is 6.4 l/100 km (in this case: 150 g / km of CO2) as it passes by DSG, fuel consumption is reduced to 6.3 l/100 km ( 148 g / km of CO2). ETI develops a maximum torque of 240 Nm between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. In both versions of the transmission, the Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet with this engine reaches 100 km / h in 8.4 seconds, top speed is 216 km / h.

2.0 TSI 155 kW / 210 hp

The maximum power, the Golf Cabriolet is to drive 155 kW / 210 PS (at 5300 rpm) TSI. In this case, the engine power increases the front wheels through a 6-speed DSG gearbox is standard. And it does so much fuel, even more power: 100 km to the consumes 7.5 liters (equivalent to 175 g / km CO2), which is directly injected with up to 280 Nm (from 1700 rpm min) high torque engine with 16 valves. However, reaching a top speed of 235 km / h. The Golf Cabriolet 2.0 TSI covers the sprint to 100 km / h in 7.3 seconds. (All information on fuel economy and performance on the Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet 2.0 TSI in this press release is expected values, because this version is also in late autumn.)

1.6 TDI 77 kW / 105 hp

Access to the program is offered by the TDI engines of 1.6 liter four-cylinder with 77 kW / 105 hp (4400 rpm) and peak torque of 250 Newton-meters (1500-2500 rpm). Optionally, the TDI BlueMotion version will feature technology (BMT) package (Stop / Start system and the rehabilitation of the battery). The combined fuel consumption Golf Cabriolet 1.6 TDI BlueMotion technology is more just 4.4 litres/100km (equivalent to 117 g / km CO2). The corresponding values ​​without BMT is 4.8 litres/100km and 125 g / km of CO2. In each case, open-top Golf Cabriolet 1.6 TDI the most effective ever fuel Volkswagen. Both versions reach 100 km / h speed record in 12.1 seconds and top speed is 188 km / h.

2.0 TDI 103 kW / 140 HP

The most powerful TDI common rail of the Golf Cabriolet is an engine of 1968 cm3 four-cylinder with 103 kW / 140 hp (at 4,200 rpm), which is combined with the TDI BlueMotion technology package as standard. Engine to be introduced this fall will be available with 6-speed DSG option.

From a low 1,750 rpm, TDI develops a maximum torque of 320 Nm (2500 rpm). These key parameters of performance of four-cylinder engine accelerates the VW Golf convertible to 100 km / h in just 9.9 seconds and its top speed is 207 km / h. DSG version is slightly less than the maximum speed to 205 km / h. As might be expected, the combined fuel consumption Golf Cabriolet 2.0 TDI is abnormally low: 4.5 l/100 km with the manual transmission version 5.1 liter DSG. The corresponding CO2 levels are 119 g / km and 134 g / km (DSG). (All fuel economy and driving performance for the Golf Cabriolet 2.0 TDI mentioned in this release are estimates of values, because this version will follow in late fall.)

BlueMotionTechnologies detail

Stop / Start system: the driver approaches a red light, brakes Volkswagen Golf convertible to a stop, shift into neutral and take foot off the clutch (DSG with the push of the brake pedal). This causes the engine for a while. The multifunction display the text "Start (A) Stop" is displayed. Once the green light again, the driver depresses the clutch (DSG or simply press the brake), and the engine starts, "Go (A) Stop" text is cleared, the driver engages a speed and resume driving . Essentially, the driver does not need to make operational measures additional to a conventional car, but save up to 0.2 l/100 km in the city using the stop / start system.

Contrary to vehicles without the system of Stop / Start technology BlueMotion models have an additional battery information form (to obtain the instantaneous state of the battery), the heavy engine starting, the DC / DC converter (ensures voltage stability of power system the vehicle) and durability of a deep cycle battery with fiberglass mat board.

battery regeneration: regeneration can use the energy expended in the direction that the ideal as possible. During inertia and braking phases of Golf Cabriolet - that is, when the driver releases the accelerator pedal or the brakes - the system increases the voltage of the alternator (generator), and this electricity is used to bulk load the vehicle battery. Thanks to the control of the alternator according to the efficiency of the motor and the battery charged for optimum results, the alternator voltage can be reduced whenever it's convenient - such as when accelerating or permanently to maintain the desired speed. The generator, you can even cut altogether. This relieves the load on the engine, reducing fuel consumption. In addition, the battery - always ideally positions - provides vehicle electrical system with enough power during the engine stop (eg traffic lights).

Revitalization of the battery requires special programs for energy and the modified version of the engine control software.

6-speed velocity of 7

With the exception of the TSI and TDI 77 kW / 105 hp, all other drivers of the new Golf Cabriolet can be combined with a dual clutch transmission (DSG). Or it is a 6-speed DSG 7 speeds, depending on the torque. Both versions are characterized by the maximum DSG economy and the changing dynamics that have never reached this point before. Besides having a different number of forward gears, another way in which the systems differ in their DSG is technically different types of clutch. While the two dry clutches are used in the gearbox DSG 7-speed, dual clutch 6-speed DSG runs wet in an oil bath. Real of two gearboxes: even professional drivers with more experience did not change almost at the speed of the DSG versions. More than any other automatic transmission with double clutch has the potential to reduce emissions and fuel consumption, therefore. Compared to an automatic transmission torque converter clutch, increasing fuel efficiency can be up to 20 percent, depending on the engine.

History in the first Gulf cabriolet

Here's something that nobody knows: the first "Generation I" prototype VW Golf Cabriolet - the new Golf Cabriolet - had not fixed roll bars is sufficient reason for a brief historical overview and examine more closely the first prototype. 1970. chaise was created Karmann in Osnabrück. Today, plants owned by Volkswagen. So, like all previous generations, the new Golf Cabriolet again be manufactured in Osnabrück.

Jumping back in time: the Golf has had an exceptional start in 1974 and 1976 model line has been expanded with the GTI, which later became legendary and pioneering diesel model. In the same year it became apparent that the Golf to the storm the last bastion of the beetle - a convertible version. "As soon as the Golf has appeared on the scene, Karmann entered into talks with Volkswagen on the development of prototype convertible. Meanwhile, Volkswagen has begun work to study," says Anton Konrad, who was director of public relations for Volkswagen time. A convertible based on a pact? Even if the segment of four-seater convertible was as good as dead in Europe since the end of 1960? It was not really a game of chance, but rather a logical step, according to Klaus Bischoff, Chief Designer of Volkswagen today: "Only the best cars that stand out from the mass are viable candidates for a convertible.

And that's why the Golf I - at that time the most expressive model Volkswagen - had the power to breathe new life into this segment.

In December 1976 the first prototype was created Karmann, was intended for this purpose. White Cabriolet was angled bootlid and sedan, has been the cornerstone of the famous C-pillar crease wrote Giorgio Giugiaro, designer of the first Golf. . Unlike the Beetle Cabriolet, the windshield and the triangular window was also the base model here, finally, the Golf Cabriolet had to be sold at an affordable price, "says Rüdiger Folten, a member of Volkswagen's design team since 1973 without a roof solid, the prototype A1C -. Internal code name of the car - displayed all the key features of the Golf.

The mechanical design of the upper stacked very flat on its back cut - but at a price that is justified only in prototypes. This is due to the large rear window is fixed along its bottom edge with hinges and simply folds inward when the roof is open. The rear side windows can be completely crushed, and a pretty picture with its chrome frame when fully set up. However, all these aspects are only secondary to the distinctive feature that gave the final production model of its nickname: the "handle" of the "basket of strawberries" is missing.

So, how to roll its way into the production model later? Konrad Anton gives the answer: "At that time, vehicle safety is an important issue in our development time, Volkswagen head, Professor Ernst Fiala, later known as." The Pope's safety. "He insisted that the beam is, in part, an eye toward future legislation in the United States."

As a side note, the prototype free-roll bar has a secret interesting: hidden behind the rear trim panels are heavy thread to install an awning at the beginning, were the experiments on both versions, and Finally, a modified version with a bow triumphed. When the first models emerged from the assembly line in Osnabruck in June 1979, convertible looked as if she had been thrown from a single mold: he had a roof design complete but simple with a 5 ply lined up an attractive smooth surface back, and he offered a lot of fun outdoors with 4 real seats at an affordable price. Continued to build parallel Karmann Beetle Cabrio for about 6 more months. This is because when the news of his impending death towers, there was a huge increase in orders. "The community Beetle even met at a funeral procession in Wolfsburg," said Anton Conrad.

He sent a hot dog stand at the demonstrators at the place of safety facilities, and invited the spokesperson for the Friends test drive a Beetle in the Volkswagen Golf Cabrio. In a nutshell: "I was surprised at how much more advanced technically, was his beloved Beetle.


The rest is history: the Golf Cabriolet has been a success worldwide, with total sales of 388,522. And when he was replaced by the Golf III Cabrio (1993), discussions on the stabilizer bar has adopted a new tone. The fact is that the "handful" had long since gone from being a nuisance to an aesthetic style - and the open bar prototype-roll remains on the drawing board. Until March 1, 2011. It was then presented the new Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet at the Geneva Motor Show - no safety bar automatic deployment modules bearing protection. And if you want, ennobled the prototype of the first prototype VW Golf Cabrio 35.