THERE’S something inherently satisfying about what might be termed ‘convertibles for the common man’. Wind in your hair motoring has always had a bit of an association with cars at the more glamorous end of the automotive scale – think Cadillacs on Californian freeways and Maseratis on Italian mountain roads. Yet convertibles that are more easily accessible are nothing new. Ever since the likes of the Morris Minor and the Triumph Herald one has been able to sample the delights of a drop top. I guess these days there are just plenty more to choose from which makes it seem easier than ever to share in the joys of open top driving. When Volkswagen launched the excellent Eos it would have seemed for a time at least that the Golf convertible had been confined to the history books but it has made a welcome return and if my experience at the wheel is anything to go by it should be a triumphant one. Probably the best-known convertible of the eighties the Golf Cabriolet back then helped promote a convertible resurgence. Though the Golfs of today bear more than a passing resemblance to their forebears they have evolved beyond all recognition over the decades into thoroughly modern cars that continue to set the pace in their class. The current Golf is well put together, oozes quality in every department and is a great driver’s car to boot. The Cabriolet shares these attributes too and the first thing you notice when you sit in is the trademark top quality VW fit and finish that ensures it stands out from the crowd. It’s characterised by a classy interior too and a high comfort level completes the picture when it comes to creating a cabin that’s a nice place to be. The folding vinyl roof might make you feel a little closer to the elements than the Eos’s folding metal roof but it is nonetheless well insulated and noise levels are minimal. The regular Golf has a noticeably stiff and sturdy feel and if anything this in enhanced in the Cabriolet, due to extra reinforcement in its structure to account for its convertible character. Consequently it’s a great car to drive, gripping the road with assurance and seems to invite being chucked around corners. The 1.6-litre diesel engine seems well suited to the car, offering the kind of urgency and pace that feels perfectly suited to everyday driving and even the open road, while stopping short of hot hatch territory. Added to that it is a winning blend of performance, economy and refinement. The Golf’s timeless styling is a winner for many, its shape evolving over time in a way that stays true to the original yet still manages to look fresh and appealing. While the Cabriolet looks slightly squat in comparison to the hatch the designers have done a decent job in producing a stylish little convertible that is very desirable. The only real drawback is a boot that is rather on the small side, though I guess you can’t have everything. Overall it’s a winner when it comes to offering open top motoring at a reasonably affordable price with a splash of premium quality thrown in for good measure. FAST FACTS Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet SE 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Technology Price: £23,260 Mechanical: 105bhp, 1,598cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox Max speed: 117mph 0-62mph: 12.1 seconds Combined mpg: 64.2 Insurance group: 18 CO2 emissions: 117g/km BIK rating: 13% Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles | 
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