AT-A-GLANCE VW Golf cabriolet SE Blue Motion 1.6-litre TDi 105PS six-speed manual.

Price: £23,245 (on the road).

Top speed: 117mph.

0-62mph: 12.1 seconds.

Fuel: 64.2mpg (combined figure).

CO2 emissions (g/km): 117.

Verdict: Superb hood refinement, quality build, fine riding, practical, good performance with excellent economy.

AFTER an absence of nine years, Volkswagen’s Golf cabriolet is back delivering loads of fun and with all the modern technology you could wish for.

The core appeal of the cabriolet is, of course, its fabric roof and here quality shines through and with it up or down refinement is superb.

The electrically-powered hood can be lowered at the press of a button in just 9.5 seconds, including on the move at speeds of up to around 18mph. And with VW being one of the world’s most successful producers of convertibles, owners are unlikely to experience trouble.

There is also a wide range of luxurious options to help owners personalise the car and ensure that the return of this iconic model will be welcomed by a wide range of customers.

Deliveries have already begun and for next year UK sales are expected to be 6,350 vehicles.

The two-door, four-seat, front-engined soft top comes with three engines – two petrol (a 1.2-litre TSi and 1.4-lite TSi) and a 1.6- litre diesel while a further petrol and two diesels will become available.

Unlike some convertibles, the new arrival comes with plenty of room for the smaller family. It has the same wheelbase as the Golf hatch which ensures plenty of space for four passengers while a 50:50 split/sliding rear seat and easy entry to the rear means the car is a practical proposition.

And even with the roof down there is 250 litres of boot space. DSG automatic transmission is offered while there is Blue Motion technology for extra economy and efficiency.

On-the-road prices are £20,720 for the 1.2-litre TSi six-speed manual and rise to £26,595 for the GT 1.4- litre seven-speed auto DSG gearbox.

VW expect the 105PS 1.6- litre diesel will be a big seller.

The Blue Motion oil burner with a manual gearbox costs £23,245 in SE trim on the road. It’s not cheap but the running costs will be low as the combined fuel consumption is 64.2mpg and the CO2 emissions figure is 117g/km. The diesel does seem a perfect partner during the present belttightening times if your budget will run to it.

While it is not as quick as the 160PS TSi 1.4-litre petrol, it should prove an excellent all-rounder.

The motor is smooth and with a useful spread of torque which helps drivability.

And although the diesel’s steering and handling doesn’t feel as sharp as that of the petrol models, the car drives well with excellent grip and a comfortable ride.

From the front there is no mistaking that the cabriolet is a Golf. However, from the raked windscreen back it is all new, giving a rather heavy appearance around the flanks yet a sporty one.

New rear lights and a deep crease in the bootlid are distinctive design features.

Of course, under the skin there are many differences to ensure that safety, comfort and refinement are not compromised. These include reinforced window frames and structural modifications to give the car a high level of torsional rigidity.

There is no hint of scuttle shake which can be the bugbear of some convertibles.

The three trim levels – S, SE and GT – are all well equipment featuring alloy wheels and Bluetooth. The SE adds two-zone climate control, cruise control, parking sensors and automatic light while the GT also gets sports suspension, Alcantara upholstery and 18-inch alloys. Options include a luxury pack, winter pack, under-seat draws, DVD sat nav, bi-xenon headlights, wind deflector, paddle shifts for DSG models, leather upholstery and parking aids.