Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet revealed

The Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet is the company's most powerful convertible variant so far.

It comes with the 261bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine from the Volkswagen Scirocco R. This results in a 0-62mph time of 6.4 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph.

To help get the most from this performance, the Golf R has a bespoke suspension set-up, which is 25mm lower than the standard convertible.

It is available in front-wheel-drive only, and comes with a DSG semi-automatic gearbox. There are currently no plans to offer a manual 'box.

Buyers can choose 18- or 19-inch alloys in silver or black.

Visual enhancements include a bespoke front bumper, a gloss-black grille with 'R' logo, gloss black door mirrors, and bi-xenon headlights with gloss black surrounds. The gloss black brake calipers also feature 'R' logos.

The Golf R Cabriolet has extended side sills, a gloss black rear diffuser, chrome tipped exhaust tailpipes and smoked LED tail-lights.

Inside, it gets four leather sports seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel, gearlever and handbrake. It comes with aluminium pedals, while the doors and dashboard feature aluminium inlays. Standard kit includes a digital radio and Bluetooth and an electrically operated roof that can be activated at speeds of up to 18mph.

The Golf R Cabriolet costs from 38,770, and is available to order from early March and will head to customers in May.

By Tom Webster