Summary:
The Mk1 VW Golf Cabriolet is a modern classic, complete with still-fresh looks and an eager Gti engine. But how does a 22 year old cabrio really drive on the roads today? Find out in this comprehensive review

Details or Sample:
Looking at effortless good looks of the Mk1 Golf today, it should come as no surprise that the car was designed by an Italian way back in the mid 70s, and even less of a surprise that is was Giorgetto Giugaro himself who put pen to paper. The world famous designer loved to use straight lines and sharp angles on his cars and the angular and boxy Golf is in good company, lining up alongside his other achievements such as the Lotus Esprit, BMW M1, Alfa Romeo Alfasud and the Maserati Merak.

The Mk1 Golf was on sale in Europe and America from 1974 to 1983 and was available as a 3-door or 5-door hatchback, a 2-door pick-up known as the Caddy or a 2-door Cabriolet. Known in the USA as a VW Rabbit, the car is also still made today in South Africa, where it is known as the CitiGolf. This is a testament to the timelessness of Giugaro"s original design and the popularity of the shape with the public.

The Cabriolet survived when the MkII replaced the Mk1 in 1983 and continued in production right up until 1993 when it was replaced by the MkIII Golf Cabriolet. Available in Clipper form with a carburetor driven 1800cc engine or as a 1.6 or 1.8 Gti, the Cabriolet looks as stylish today as it did on its final day of production. A well maintained Cabrio still commands a healthy price tag, but does its ability as a sporty cabriolet still hold up in the modern world?

The model tested is a 1984 1.6 Gti model with the optional Clipper kit and leather interior. The kit gives the car a much more modern look, however some prefer the retro looks of the metal bumpers found on early Golf Cabrio"s. The 1.6 engine develops around 110bhp which is transferred through the front wheels, something that was almost unique in a small car back when the Golf was first released.

Opening the thin door and settling into the height and distance adjustable drivers" seat, everything falls nicely to hand. The tall gear stick doesn"t require reaching for and the peddles are a sensible distance away, allowing a nice stretched legged, arms bent driving position. The power steering on this car makes maneuverability at parking speeds simple, but thankfully weights up nicely when cruising or driving hard on a challenging road.

Twisting the key, the engine burbles into life and settles at a rough idle, but a blip of the throttle sees the needle on the rev-counter head for the opposite end of the gage with a keenness that bodes well for the drive. Pulling away and navigating through the suburban streets to warm the engine sadly reveals a harsh and crashy ride, making you drive an imperfect road like it was a slalom course. Even with its new suspension, this Golf could never be called smooth.

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Written by: Andy Boxall
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