Volkswagen Golf convertible 2011 review

It's been almost 10 years since the last Volkswagen Golf convertible was sold in Australia, and when the new one arrives later this year, it will be only the fourth model made since 1979.

VALUE

But it goes on sale in Germany next month at a $8000 premium over the five-door Golf so could get here for $29,990. Compared with the Eos at $46,990, that's a great price and a great package. But it's a little engine and perhaps there'll be more interest in the 1.4 or 2-litre powerplants that better suit the DSG auto transmission and give a bit more oomph.

Explore the 2011 Volkswagen Golf range

• Volkswagen Golf convertible 2011 review
• Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion 2011 review
• Volkswagen Golf 2011 review
• Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion 2011 review: road test
• Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet TSI 2011 review

DESIGN

It looks considerably shorter than the Golf hatch, despite sharing the platform and drivetrain. Because of that, it's certainly neat and appealing.

Notably, it doesn't share any body panels with the hatch. The roof is a clever design that incorporates lots of hidden slivers of metal to keep it taut and flush against the body and glass.

TECHNOLOGY

The engines exist in other current Volkswagen models though there are now two BlueMotion versions that include stop-start, regenerative braking and low-drag tyres to get fuel consumption down to 4.4 litres/100km and emissions of 117g/km CO2 for the 1.6-litre diesel. The rollbar function is taken up by two bars that automatically deploy when the car reaches a predetermined angle. Having two bars means space for an opening from the boot to carry long cargo.

SAFETY

It should replicate the Golf's five-star crash rating. Standard kit includes seven airbags, the auto rollbars, electronic stability control plus a host of anti-slip wizardry, and the simple ability to be nimble and stable enough to hopefully avoid a prang in the first place.

DRIVING

It's lithe and predictable, as solid and confident on the bitumen as any quality big car, and is one of the rare automobiles that melds with the driver.

The 2-litre petrol is fuss-free and has bulk torque to perfectly suit the DSG auto. It's also smooth and very quiet. The 1.4 TSI is a great engine and Volkswagen has overcome some initial mechanical problems so it's now reliable. More than that, it's just a buzz to drive.

It works by using a supercharger to boost the little engine for rapid acceleration. It cuts out at 3500rpm and the turbocharger takes over.

But my favourite is the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol, with the manual box. Weaving through the hills around St Tropez, it is such an engaging machine that demands the driver keeps it on the boil - 2500-6000rpm is best - which means shuffling the six-speed box.

It is light and that shows up in how responsive it is into and out of a sharp - believe me, St Tropez hill roads are really sharp and very narrow - bends.

By comparison, the diesel had superb torque but you feel the weight in the nose that manifests itself as understeer. The 1.2 is almost free of understeer.

VERDICT

It may have been a long time returning, but it's welcome back.