The Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet stands as a true icon in the world of open-top motoring, representing the gold standard for compact Cabriolet Cars. Emerging as the successor to the legendary Beetle Cabriolet, with its impressive production run of nearly 332,000 vehicles, the Golf I Cabriolet made a striking debut at the Geneva International Motor Show in February 1979. Production commenced in June of the same year, initially running parallel to the Beetle Cabriolet until the last Beetle convertible rolled off the Karmann assembly line in Osnabrück in January 1980. This pioneering cabriolet car, the first in its class to feature a fixed rollover bar, quickly garnered acclaim for its sophisticated yet user-friendly roof design, accommodating four adults comfortably, and offering agile performance with fuel-efficient engines and dependable front-wheel drive. What followed was history in the making: the first-generation Golf Cabriolet not only surpassed its predecessor, with a production volume of 388,522 units, but also ascended to become the most successful convertible of its era, remaining in continuous production and undergoing consistent improvements until 1993.
Golf Cabriolet I: Setting the Standard for Open-Top Compacts
The Golf Cabriolet I, based on the Golf I, immediately set itself apart as a revolutionary cabriolet car. Its introduction of a fixed rollover bar was a groundbreaking safety feature for open-top vehicles at the time, providing enhanced protection without compromising the joy of open-air driving. This model inherited the nimble handling and economical engine options from the Golf I, making it a practical yet fun cabriolet car for a broad audience. Its four full-sized seats were a significant advantage in the compact convertible segment, offering versatility and family-friendly appeal. The enduring popularity of the Golf Cabriolet I cemented its status as a classic cabriolet car, beloved for its blend of style, safety, and driving enjoyment.
Golf Cabriolet II: Ushering in a New Era of Safety and Technology
In 1993, the second generation Golf Cabriolet marked a significant leap forward, particularly in safety technology for cabriolet cars. Built upon the foundation of the Golf III and later incorporating elements of the Golf IV, this iteration prioritized enhanced crashworthiness and introduced innovations such as driver and passenger airbags, along with ABS. Continuing the safety-conscious design, it also featured a rollover bar positioned between the B-pillars. For added convenience, an optional electrohydraulic roof operating system was offered, allowing for swift top operation in under 20 seconds. This Golf Cabriolet II, while retaining the charm of an open-top cabriolet car, embraced modern advancements, bridging the gap between classic appeal and contemporary automotive technology. Production of this generation, again at Karmann in Osnabrück, reached an impressive 600,585 units, demonstrating the continued demand for the Golf cabriolet car concept. Though production ceased in 2001, it left a legacy of combining safety and open-air enjoyment in a single compelling package.
Golf Cabriolet III: Performance and Modern Cabriolet Refinement
The revival of the Golf Cabriolet in 2011, based on the sixth-generation Golf, showcased the evolution of the cabriolet car into the modern era. This iteration boasted a remarkably fast-acting soft top, opening in just nine seconds at speeds up to 30 km/h, emphasizing convenience and spontaneity. Safety remained a paramount concern, with features like a rapidly deploying rollover protection system, a reinforced windscreen frame, and multiple airbags. Performance enthusiasts were particularly thrilled by the introduction of the first Golf GTI Cabriolet in 2012, delivering 210 PS and a top speed of 237 km/h. This was further surpassed in 2013 by the Golf R Cabriolet, a true performance cabriolet car, boasting 260 PS and a top speed of 265 km/h, making it the most powerful and fastest Golf Cabriolet ever produced. This third generation demonstrated how a cabriolet car could seamlessly blend open-top thrills with high performance and cutting-edge safety features. Despite its relatively shorter production run ending in 2016, with a total of 770,039 Golf Cabriolets produced across all generations, the Golf Cabriolet’s story remains a testament to the enduring allure of the cabriolet car.
