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Volkswagen’s GTI Cabriolet debuted today at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show, making the Mazda MX-5 look like Caster Semanya in comparison.
In Europe, Volkswagen not only gets the Eos, but a Golf Cabriolet as well. The big differences is the Golf has a cloth top, and now it gets a GTI variant. Mechanically, nothing has really changed between the GTI and the GTI Cabriolet – same 2.0T engine, 6-speed manual or DSG gearbox, same Iron Cross-esque wheels, same honeycomb grille. The only difference is that while you may be ridiculed while driving a GTI, you will be ridiculed while driving this thing. Also, the plaid interior is just so on trend for Spring/Summer 2012…err, that’s what my girlfriend tells me, at least!
18 Comments on “Geneva 2012: Volkswagen GTI Cabriolet Proves Girls Just Wanna Go Fast...”
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…so this is an Eos with a soft top and GTI parts?
No, it’s a Golf Cabrio in GTI trim. Thanks for reading the 5 sentences.
plus the Eos is based off the B6 Passat platform, not the Golf. I’d imagine this one is lighter, shares suspension with and would handle similar to a GTI as well.
It’s kinda disappointing we don’t get this one here. The Eos is more luxury-oriented. And I imagine there a people who’d consider owning a VW convertible, but are scared off by the complexity of a bunch of electric moving parts in a German car.
“scared off by the complexity of a bunch of electric moving parts in a German car.” <– exactly. I have no reservations with the Miata power hardtop, but the EOS hardtop gives significant pause.
Can you get it in Fahrenheit Orange? Or perhaps that neon green that every Mazda2 seems to be sold with?
They should have removed the windshield as well, to tie in with the Lambo Aventador J. They’re even the same color!
I wonder if Audi will get an RS3 Cabriolet…I’m guessing not.
I would definitely be interested in this car if it were on sale here.
My 1996 Miata met its unfortunate end a couple of weeks ago and I’m looking for a replacement roadster. So far the only candidates are another Miata, a Mini Roadster, and the EOS.
If this GTI had a simpler roof than the EOS, so it wouldn’t make me fear the VW maintenance bills required to keep it working, it would be a contender. I also like that it appears to be roomier than a Miata, because if Miatas weren’t so small I’d probably already have settled on one (yes I know they are bigger than the 96 I lost but I’m also 16 years older than I was when I bought it).
For maybe $5,000 more, why not get something infintely more interesting and fun to drive? I’m talking an early model used NSX-T.
You obviously haven’t owned a Miata. Having driven both…the NSX may be more exotic, but it isn’t any more fun to drive. Slow car driven fast is always more fun than a fast car driven slow.
I priced insurance rates on a used NSX once. Un-freaking-real.
Buick,
I am sorry for your loss. One thing to keep in mind with the metal roofed convertibles — at least the Eos — is that cold shrinks the metal roof. If you live up North, expect a lot of squeaks in winter.
Interesting, thanks for the heads up. I’m in NC, it can get cold here but not like the north.
Hairdressing just got a little more butch.
So a true four place convertible with German designed driving habits, somewhat reliable, and possibly affordable.
I’m disappointed to hear we have so many underendowed readers that what you drive should matter to someone else.
/rock on, Miata boy.
//It’s not how fast you go, it’s how you go fast.
Convertibles handle poorly due to structural issues and all the extra braces and hardware. So what we’ve done here is take away the one thing the GTI is remotely competitive in.
Convertibles handle poorly?!?!
….What planet do you live on?
name a vert that handles as well as its hardtop equivalent. Oh and cars like the atom don’t count as it has no doors or a boot for that matter.