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Joining the ranks of premium convertibles is the Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet, set to be unveiled at the Geneva motor show on 1 March and available to order from July.

Selling alongside the Volkswagen Eos coupe-cabriolet, the Golf features a fabric roof that's raised and stowed electrically, in under 10 seconds.

More than 20cm shorter than the Eos, the Golf Cabriolet is the same size as an Audi A3 Cabriolet and slightly shorter than the BMW 1 Series Convertible, its two closest rivals.

There will be three trim levels to choose between - S, SE and GT. All will come with 16-inch alloy wheels, electric operation of the roof, a DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity.

Predictably, there's also no shortage of safety kit, which includes an 'active roll-over protection system' (a pop-up hoop), electronic stability programme (ESP), airbags galore plus a heavily reinforced bodyshell.

Buyers can choose from three engines initially: a 104bhp 1.2TSI, a 158bhp 1.4TSI and a 104bhp 1.6TDI. Coming later will be a 120bhp 1.4TSI unit along with 207bhp 2.0TSI and 138bhp 2.0TDI powerplants.

Volkswagen has majored on refinement and relative practicality with its new car, as all versions will come with four seats, and even with the roof down the boot will be able to accommodate 250 litres of luggage.

The fabric roof features an additional layer to reduce interior noise levels when driving at speed, as well as a glass rear window with integral heating element.

With the order books not opening for several months yet, and the first cars not arriving until September, Volkswagen has yet to reveal prices and specifications for the new Golf Cabriolet.

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