Factory code: 1E/1J
In 1993, the second Golf Cabriolet appears, based on the third generation of the saloon – the Golf III Cabriolet. A convertible based on the Golf II never went into series production.
Volkswagen opts once again for the roll bar. The gain in rigidity and rollover safety remains undisputed, and systems such as automatic high-speed safety bars had not yet arrived in the open compact class. The roof can be opened and closed electrohydraulically on request and takes barely 20 seconds. A red light at the traffic lights is enough time to switch to sunshine mode.
The open roof is lower than its predecessor, and the generational leap is impossible to overlook. The Golf III Cabriolet now stands on its wheels in a much more modern and sturdy manner.
While the design of its predecessor was still rooted in the early 1970s, the new model has a whole new set of specifications: the body has to offer significantly more space, e.g., 50 litres more boot space, and the safety standard is upgraded without compromise, in line with the rest of the current model range. In practical terms, this means crash safety even in offset crashes, optional driver and front passenger airbags, ABS, and side impact protection integrated into the doors.
The car is powered by naturally aspirated petrol engines with a displacement of 1.8 litres and 55 kW (75 PS) or 66 kW (90 PS), as well as the 2.0-litre engine with 85 kW (115 PS) familiar from the Golf GTI.
Like its predecessor, the VW Golf III Cabriolet is built in Osnabrück by Karmann.
A number of special models are launched during its production run, including the Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones Collection, Bon Jovi, Joker, Highline, and, finally, Classic Edition.
Like the Golf I Cabriolet, its successor also becomes a bestseller: two years after production starts, more than 70,000 units have already been sold.
