Verdict
The Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet is back. With a quick roof, excellent engines and a sturdy chassis, we expect it to be just as successful as its predecessors and upset its rivals.

Expert rating: 4.0

Pros
• It's the return of an icon
• Good to drive
• Will hold its value

Cons
• Sat-nav can be sluggish
• Small boot opening
• Tricky to clean the white leather interior

1. Exterior: 4/5

Still instantly recognisable as a Golf, the folding soft top mimics the lines of the hatchback. It's lower, with a more swept back windscreen while LED daytime running lights add character. It's nowhere near as radical as the Peugeot 308 SW, but less discreet than the Audi A3 Cabriolet.

2. Interior: 5/5

The cabin is classy with high levels of refinement roof up or down and seating for four adults. There's plenty of choice too, with cloth, leather and alcantara upholstery on offer. It's a fine interior which leaves rivals reeling - except perhaps the equally impressive and closely-related Audi A3 Cabriolet.

3. Practicality: 3/5

It only takes 9.5 seconds for the soft top to open or close fully, which can be done at up to 20mph; the multi-layer roof adds impressive refinement. The boot can accommodate 250 litres and the rear seats split and fold (50:50) to give more space, but it can be tricky to fit awkward items through the boot opening. Rear legroom is adequate, while those in front have ample space, supportive seats and a great driving position.

4. Ride and handling: 4/5

Removing the roof from a hatchback can have a devastating effect on handling, but not here. The steering is accurate and free from shakes and vibrations, while there's no sign of the body flexing.

5. Performance: 4/5

Engines range from ultra-economical to high-performance. Three are available from launch: a 1.6-litre TDI diesel with 103bhp, a 1.2-litre TSI petrol with 103bhp and 1.4-litre TSI petrol with 158bhp. A 2-litre 140bhp diesel, 1.4-litre TSI with 120bhp and 2-litre TSI with 208bhp will come soon. The small diesel is smooth and quiet, with adequate performance, while the 2-litre TDI has better all-round ability. The peppy 1.2-litre TSI is a surprise package which is fun to drive, while the GTI-engined 2-litre TSI offers real performance in a discreet but stylish package. A choice of manual and DSG semi-automatic gearboxes are available depending on the engine fitted.

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6. Running costs: 4/5

The 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Technology is the most economical choice, with an average 64.2mpg and 117g/km of CO2. The 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Technology averages 62.8mpg and 118g/km. The 1.2-litre TSI BlueMotion Technology is pegged at 49.6mpg and 132g/km, whilst the 2.0 TSI is rated at 37.7mpg and 175g/km. We also expect the Golf Cabriolet to be hugely sought after so it will hold its value brilliantly.

7. Reliability: 4/5

The latest Golf hatchback is dependable and the Cabriolet should be just as reliable.

8. Safety: 4/5

The rollover bars are hidden and only pop up if needed. Many parts of the car have been reinforced, including the windscreen frame, side panels and doors. The full complement of airbags have been adapted to work with the open-top design while electronic stability programme (ESP) is standard.

9. Equipment: 4/5

S, SE and GT trim levels are offered, standard features including air-con, 16-inch alloys, DAB radio, Bluetooth and daytime-running lights. On our French test route the sat-nav was vague.

10. Why buy? 5/5

The Golf Cabriolet has a timeless quality and feels like it's built to last. There's fun to be had behind the wheel and it's particularly refined for a small convertible.