Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet (94-01) - Review

Review by Parkers on
The two-door, four-seat Golf Cabriolet is one of the best cabriolets of the 1990s. It's perfect for the summer months and few cabriolets of the same age can match its overall quality. Secondhand prices are a little dearer than a convertible Peugeot 306 or Vauxhall Astra, but it's so reliable, safe and pleasant to drive that few competitors can beat it. A facelift in '98 brought a newly styled grille and set of headlights, which were added to refresh the front-end and keep it in line with the appearance of the 1998-2004 Golf Hatchback.
4 out of 5

Other Volkswagen reviews

3 out of 5

Performance

The 75bhp 1.8 S is the tamest (and cheapest) engine in the line-up, as it feels sufficiently powered around town but lacks conviction when overtaking on A-roads. For something more capable, the 100bhp 1.6-litre SE and 115bhp 2.0 are better all-rounders; both come with a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission and can cruise at motorway speeds without straining. No diesel means the range is not as frugal as it could be, although no car manufacturer produced a diesel until 2002.

3 out of 5

Handling

Golf Cabriolet is fun to drive and handles well on twisty B-roads. It grips superbly on corners and feels composed at speed, even though bodyroll is noticeable if it’s thrashed around tight bends. There is little body flex - which is often an issue with soft-tops - due to the stiff body and reinforced anti-roll bar. Parking is easy, as the convertible is easy to manage at low speeds, plus the 10-metre turning circle is in keeping with the class average.