(June 30, 2011) The order books for the new Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet, which is back after a nine-year absence, have been opened in the UK and Europe. Prices for the new model range from £20,720 ($33,152) to £26,595 ($42,550). The new drop top will not be sold in the U.S.



First shown earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show, the new two-door, four-seater, front-engined soft top joins the range alongside the Eos hard-top convertible. It is fitted as standard with an electrically-powered fabric roof which can be lowered in just 9.5 seconds including on the move at speeds up to around 18 mph. 

The new Golf Cabriolet will be available with a choice of three engines in Europe: a 1.2-liter TSI 104-horsepower, 1.4-liter TSI 158 horsepower and a 1.6-liter TDI 104-horsepower.  Another gas engine and two diesels will be offered later in the year.  DSG automatic transmission will be offered while BlueMotion Technology modifications will be applied to the diesel engines to ensure high efficiency and low emissions.

Deliveries will begin at the start of September. 

VW has no plans to bring the Golf Cabriolet to the U.S., as it will focus its efforts on the 2012 New Beetle Convertible.