- Flexible 1.8- and 2.0-litre petrol engines
- Comfortable ride
- Open-top appeal
- Flat front seats lack support
- Body and scuttle shake over bumps
- Long-travel brake pedal lacks progressive reponse
- Cramped rear seats
Review: Volkswagen Mk.3-I Golf Cabriolet (1995-98)
Overview
Released in October 1995, the Volkswagen Mk.3 Series I (Mk.3-I) Golf Cabriolet was a two-door, four-seat convertible with a power-operated soft-top roof. The VW Mk.3 Golf Cabriolet was initially solely available as the GL variant, powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. In November 1997, however, the GL was replaced by the better-equipped SE.
Dimensions and suspension
The Volkswagen Mk.3 Golf Cabriolet was 4020 mm long, 1695 mm wide, 1410 mm tall and had a 2475 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the Golf Cabriolet had MacPherson strut front suspension with lower wishbones and a torsion beam rear axle (with trailing arms).
| Variant | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL | 1995-97 | 2.0-litre AGG petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
85 kW at 5400 rpm | 166 Nm at 3200 rpm |
| SE | 1997-98 |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Volkswagen Mk.3 Golf Cabriolet included dual front airbags, ABS and an integrated rollover bar.
Features
Standard features for the VW Mk.3 Golf Cabriolet included 14-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, contoured sports seats, central locking, power mirrors and windows, a heated rear glass window and an immobiliser. From 1997, cruise control was fitted as standard.
The Golf Cabriolet SE was further equipped with an eight speaker sound system with a CD player and leather seats.
Review: Volkswagen Mk.3-II Golf Cabriolet (1998-03)
Overview
Released in September 1998, the Volkswagen Mk.3 Series II (Mk.3-II) Golf Cabriolet introduced an expanded range with 1.8- and 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engines (the CL and GL variants, respectively). Visually, the VW Mk.3-II Golf Cabriolet could be identified by its revised front and rear masks which were similar to the Mk.4 Golf with ‘double headlights’ and smoke tail lenses. Inside, there were redesigned sports seats, a new steering wheel, seat trims, interior finishes and instrumentation.
| Variant | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CL | 1998-00 | 1.8-litre ADZ petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
66 kW at 5600 rpm | 145 Nm at 2500 rpm |
| GL | 1998-03 | 2.0-litre AGG petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
85 kW at 5400 rpm | 166 Nm at 3200 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the VW Mk.3-II Golf Cabriolet was largely unchanged, though the windscreen pillars and side intrusion bars were strengthened to provide greater occupant protection.
Features
Compared to the Mk.3-I SE, the Volkswagen Mk.3-II Golf Cabriolet CL was fitted with steel wheels and omitted leather seats, but added a leather-wrapped steering wheel with height adjustment. The Golf Cabriolet GL was further equipped with 14-inch alloy wheels and climate control air conditioning.
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