MK6 Golf Cabrio / Cabriolet / Convertible

[CandyCab]

Really hoping to get my hands on one of these in White with red leather and xeon lights!

Has anyone else bought one of these? What are the thoughts?

I am coming from a more power BMW coupe, so not sure if I would regret if I get a less powerful car.

[The_Hawk]

I'm rocking a Night Blue, Manual, Black Leather, RNS510 (+ mats)

Absolutely Loving it!

I have a few thoughts coming from a MK3 VR6 and the wife's 2010 Multivan.

My thoughts so far:

* The brakes are bloody touchy. I thought the Multivan was touchy until I drove this. Not an issue, just something to get used to.
* The clutch is very light compared to what I am used to, again, not an issue, just a comment.
* Ditto on the steering. I thought the Multivan was light compared to the VR6 This this is very light! I would almost go so far as saying it lacks some feedback.
* I'm used to blipping the throttle on downshifts, this is much harder in the MkVI as it just doesn't want to "blip" so much. Having never driven a turbo car I don't know if that's the cause or what. Again, just something to get used to.
* It's quiet... very very quiet. With the roof up you have to check the rev counter to make sure it's on Even under acceleration it's quiet.
* speaking of acceleration... I don't know that it's quite up to my VR6, but it's off putting since it does it so damn quietly compared to the roar the VR produces. All I know is that it seems to get up there *very* quickly. I giggle quietly to myself wondering what a stage 1 tune will feel like (GTI power is very achievable with a stage 1)
* Handling seems very good, while I haven't had a good run yet it feels very grounded and seems to go where you point it. Pretty amazing for a convertible.
* 2 Doors. Since this car is mostly just for me, two doors is fine. Getting kids in and out of the back seats... *VERY* easy with the top down, easy enough when it's in place. I don't know that I would want it as my full time car if they were in it every day, but as a once/twice a week child car (we use the van the most of the time) it's acceptable.

* Rain sucks... It's rained about 80% of the time since I got it which means I haven't been able to really enjoy it. That said the roof has been down at just about every opportunity. I'd like to think I will keep that up and not turn it into your normal coupe
* Speaking of rain, there is one tip worth noting. It seems the roof repels water, which is good. What it also means is that water on the roof *REALLY* wants to roll off... the slightest movement and it collects and runs... When it's raining lightly (or has been overnight and there is water sitting on the roof) I am in the habit of opening the door then closing it again and waiting for the resulting torrent of water to roll down. It only takes a few seconds and beats having it all run down your back as you lean in

Um... I'm sure there is more, I'll add to it later if I think of anything.

[CandyCab]

Thanks for the thoughts!
I did test drive the car twice, and twice i did notice it was really quite compared to my straight 6 cylinder engine at the moment. Not sure if it's a good thing haha..
If a stage one tune can really achieve GTI levels, I'd say it's even more appealing to me now!
I am assuming you are talking about the APR tune?

[The_Hawk]

I am assuming you are talking about the APR tune?

From what I understand all the ECU tunes are in the same sort of ball park, it's more about who you feel comfortable dealing with. Let's not start a debate about who has xkW more, extra torques or more R&D... (there are more than enough opinions on that already )

But yes, GTI power from a 118TSI in a drop top FTW (until there is a Golf VI GTI/R Cabriolet anyway )

[CandyCab]

From what I understand all the ECU tunes are in the same sort of ball park, it's more about who you feel comfortable dealing with. Let's not start a debate about who has xkW more, extra torques or more R&D... (there are more than enough opinions on that already )

But yes, GTI power from a 118TSI in a drop top FTW (until there is a Golf VI GTI/R Cabriolet anyway )

Any recommendations? How would you hide the tune when in or a service? Or is that for another thread?

[SilvrFoxX]

Any recommendations? How would you hide the tune when in or a service? Or is that for another thread?

A few options

1. You don't.. just get it serviced and don't mention it
2. Get a hand help ECU upgrade like Bluefin and remove it before the service
3. Or go get it put back to standard before the service and then go and get it put back on
4. Get it serviced other than VW but recognized for warranty servicing

I find it interesting that folk want to "hide" a tune from service centres, it is your car and you are paying them to provide a service no more no less. If a Warranty conversation comes up then they have to prove the tune had any relationship to the issue..

[CandyCab]

I find it interesting that folk want to "hide" a tune from service centres, it is your car and you are paying them to provide a service no more no less. If a Warranty conversation comes up then they have to prove the tune had any relationship to the issue..

To hide the tune is to save headaches, and from arguing with stupid service people!

Anyway, anyone else on here has pictures of their cab???

Are the wheel specs the same as the other golfs?

[Ryan_R]

Fifth Gear reviewed the cabriolet the other week - here's the episode - good scores all around:




The ECU tune will also help you hear the engine a bit more, Aaron. Stage 1 plus Sprint Booster = a smile every time you put your foot down. It's not too loud either, just enough to be pleasurable.

[The_Hawk]

Stage 1 is on the cards soon enough as is a CAI.

I need to get out and take this this for a decent drive to make sure it's doing what it should. My average Fuel consumption so far is a little high at 9L/100km, but then I barely drive far enough to warm the thing up and it's 100% urban driving... given the book is 8.5L/100km in those conditions I suppose it's not all bad really

[Ryan_R]

You've got the same engine as me, right? Does you car weigh more? I always got < 7l/100k, that went down slightly when I got Stage 1, then went up a bit when I got the SprintBooster (is around 7.2 on Race mode (which is fun), but I'm currently using Sport mode which is perfect for killing pedal lag/hesitancy on take-off.