VW’s latest foray into the highly popular convertible market is running up against new hard-top offerings from Holden, Mazda and others, but does it have what it takes to swing the Aussie buyer? Well, judging by the specs sheet, yes, it does. Let’s just hope it doesn’t get written off as a chick’s ride straight away…

No doubt, all the fuss is over the origami-like roof, which allows sun in no matter what the weather – kind of like a sunroof, convertible and hard top all in one. Complete open-air driving is available in around 25sec, making it one of the quickest on the market. Don’t worry about losing your scone in a crash either, as the roll bar deploys in just 0.25sec. In all, there are over 470 components in the roof alone…

Handling also promises to be on par with the Golf and Polo thanks to a completely new chassis design featuring increased structural rigidity, even with the roof down.

All models will come with LED lights and all with sports seats, though a Dynaudio sound system can be specified, as can 12-way electric seats, bi-xenon lighting, alloy rims and optional wind-breaker.
There is a pitiful 103kW TDI 2L, but we’re interested in the 2L TFSI, which packs 147kW and is also found in the very punchy Golf GTi. Of course, there’s a bit more weight to lug around, so drivers can expect the 0–100 sprint to take around 7.8sec. VW’s loved-the-world-over DSG gearbox is also available.

Features? There are plenty:

• 5-piece convertible, sliding and coupe roof (CSC roof) with tilt/slide glass sunroof
• Driver and passenger front and side/head airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist
• Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP)
• Front fog lights
• Remote central locking
• Alloy wheels (Le Mans) 17x7.5in with 235/45R17 tyres
• Low tyre-pressure indicator
• Automatic dimming rear-view mirror
• Dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning
• Cruise control
• Coming/leaving home with automatic headlight function
• 6-disc CD changer (mounted in-dash) with 8 speakers
• Parking distance sensors, rear
• Sport front seats with height adjustment and easy entry function
• 3-spoke multi-function leather steering wheel
• Multi-function trip computer
• Aluminium decorative inserts in dashboard and doors
• Rain sensing windscreen wipers
• Power windows, front and rear