That said it won't take a test drive to figure out that its base version will hardly sell well to the performance enthusiasts who regularly flock to the German brand. The base engine is once again VW's 115-hp 2.0-L 4-cylinder, seriously underpowered considering the car's 1,398 kg (3,082 lb) curb weight - heck even a Kia Spectra has more grunt. Mated to the optional automatic it will most likely accelerate with similar alacrity to its Golf Cabrio 4-speed automatic predecessor - just slightly quicker than a city bus. That said its additional two forward speeds, three extra lb-ft of torque and Tiptronic capability will improve matters - a 5-speed manual is standard equipment. But hold the grumbling. While the previous Cabrio only came with this normally aspirated engine the new car offers a literal quick fix. Its optional 1.8-L turbo - good for 150-hp in this guise - should eliminate any negative banter regarding get up and go despite the GLX model's 40 kg (88 lb) increased mass.
Speaking of quick and easy, it only takes a simple handle rotation and the push of a button (in the optionally equipped power top version) to lower the fully lined roof - extremely quiet in the previous generation Cabrio. The stylist's decision to keep the collapsed roof lying atop the bodywork, in classic VW convertible style, allows for a tiny 198 L (7.0 cu ft) trunk, but a trunk just the same. Drop the split back rear seats and storage space becomes more accommodating, providing three's a crowd.