Drop-top VW is off drawing board and into production

Volkswagen's Golf-based drop-top the Concept C - first seen at the Geneva motor show in March - is to come off the drawing board and into production.

But VW says the new coupe/convertible (left) won't be badged as a open-air version of the new fifth-generation Golf.

A spokesman for VW in Germany said: "The Beetle Cabriolet is our Golf-sized convertible, so the Concept C will be a more upmarket and larger alternative, and feature a folding metal roof."

The new model will be built at VW's plant in Portugal, alongside the Sharan people carrier.

VW New Zealand general manager Dean Sheed said: "We can't wait to land the new model. It's a genuine coupe-cabriolet and will be a strong performer.

"I saw it six weeks ago in Germany. VW didn't have to ask twice if we wanted it in New Zealand.

"It's the new face of the brand and will offer a new range of petrol and diesel engines."

The production version is expected to appear next year and the first right-hand-drive models will land in New Zealand mid-2006.

Meantime, the new Golf GTi will further boost sales of the new Golf range when it arrives next year.

The performance model will be unveiled at the Paris motor show in September. Left-hand-drive production will begin before Christmas for Europe and right-hand-drive will start in the New Year for delivery here around next May-June.

Said Sheed: "We have sold so many past GTi models in this country that it is a matter of how many of the new models we will sell rather than if it will sell. It's a no-brainer for us."

The fifth-generation GTi Golf will be powered by a turbocharged 2-litre direct-injection engine developing around 150kW (200bhp) and mated to a six-speed manual or Direct Shift Gearbox.

It will ride on a sportier version of VW's new four-link rear suspension. The GTi is expected to cost between $50,000 and $55,000.