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VW Golf R convertible revealed


Volkswagen’s new MkVII Golf has already gone on sale overseas, and soon a new generation of the high-performance Golf R will be joining it.

However, Volkswagen still has one more variant of its outgoing MkVI Golf to launch, and that’s the Golf R Cabriolet, which as its name suggest is simply the convertible version of the MkVI Golf R hatch.

The new model will be making its world debut next month at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, and European sales will commence before mid-year. Power for the Golf R Cabrio comes from Volkswagen’s familiar turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter engine, which is rated at 188 kilowatts and 329 newton meters. This is the same engine found in the Golf GTI but with boost pressure turned up to a heady 17 psi.

This engine is matched to a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox, which is standard on the Golf R Cabrio. All-wheel drive also comes standard, helping the car make the most of its power. With the pedal floored, 100 kph comes up after 6.4 seconds and the engine finally quits when you’ve reached a governed top speed of 250 kph.

Key features of the Golf R Cabrio’s exterior include an aggressive front bumper, a unique 18-inch wheel pattern (also available in 19 inches), a soft-top roof and discrete R badging. There are also side sills, a blacked-out diffuser and chrome exhausts tips.

Inside, buyers will find leather trim on the seats, steering wheel and handbrake grip, R logos embossed on the headrests, aluminium door sills and aluminium pedals.

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