Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet convertible (2011-2016) - Interior & comfort
Standard equipment in the VW Golf Cabriolet is good, with all versions getting alloy wheels and a DAB digital radio
The interior of the Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet is a very relaxing place to spend time: comfortable, upmarket and elegant. This is helped by a dashboard that’s clearly laid-out and easy to use. The thick, high-quality but lightweight hood does a great job of suppressing wind noise, too. Standard equipment is good, with all versions getting alloy wheels and a DAB digital radio. Options are expensive, so you need to choose carefully if you want to avoid over-equipping your car for next-to-no increase in resale value.
Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet dashboard
The dashboard is a typically solid piece of VW work: tastefully trimmed with excellent fit and finish. All controls are large and clearly labelled and the whole thing is intuitively arranged, minimizing any distractions. The front seats are very comfortable, while the driver’s seat adjusts in all directions. Along with the multi-adjustable steering wheel, this makes it possible to fine-tune your driving position to suit your exact needs. It's not, however, quite as stylish as the hatchback, which looks more modern and the infotianment system thsi car uses isn't as modern as the hatchback's, either.
Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet equipment
Even the basic S version has air-conditioning, alloy wheels and a DAB radio. Around £1,800 puts you in SE trim, which is more likely to appeal to used buyers when selling the car. In addition to the benefits already mentioned, it has dual-zone climate control, a multi-device interface for music streaming and parking sensors. More important than all those, however, is that the all-important wind deflector (roughly a £270 option on S models).
SE is probably all you need, since GT only adds some sporty flourishes while spoiling the ride with stiffer suspension. However, it suits the engine’s character perfectly, without being too over-the-top. GTI trim is on another planet (getting a bodykit, exclusive badging and upholstery, plus an electronic differential lock for improved traction) but since it’s standard with the 2.0-litre range-topping engine, it’s a case of take it or leave it.
Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet options
Metallic paint costs around £550 and we think it’s worth it for the extra value it brings to the car at resale time. The uprated sound systems are a less sensible choice, with the most expensive coming in at around £1,800. The Winter Pack costs around £400 and among its features is a low washer-fluid level warning (a surprising omission from the standard features list). Leather upholstery costs around £2,000, but again it’s one to be avoided if you’ve an eye on getting as much money back as possible when you sell the car.
