Volkswagen is at pains to stress the new Golf cabrio - fourseat, midsize convertible that it's - isn't in competition with its Eos, that fourseat, midsize convertible.

Duly notes these factors, then gives this advice to prospective Eos customers. If you don't (a) stay in an area where rain assumes the type of sharpened meat skewers or (b) strategy on transporting four big adults consistently, you'll be seeking the newest Golf cabrio.

Because although first genuinely allnew Golf convertible in 18 years does not supply several surprises, it will its roof items in this type of straightforward manner as to make the Eos - and, really, every other folding fourseat hardtop - appear overengineered and clunky.

And sluggish. The Golf folds its roof in nine seconds flat, faster than Usain Bolt can protect 100 metres (doesn't seem so notable place that manner, really), and at rates up-to 18mph.

Volkswagen has worked difficult to banish highfrequency sounds, and succeeded: you had must possess the sensitivity of the Great Horned Owl to identify more route or wind sound here than in the Eos. The rear window is extraordinarily large by cloth-top requirements, increasing the sense of close-fixedroof refinement.

Inevitably, the cabrio cannot really match its hatchback equal for road etiquette, but it keeps more composure than most convertibles, staying constant over ample undulations. There's a hint of judder throughout the chassis over sharp potholes, however not one of the wallow you obtain from most folding hardtops in this sector. We tried the topspec, 138bhp 2.0litre diesel and the 104bhp BlueMotion petrol, the latter giving the perkier push. The petrol felt livelier and lighter, if your small VAGeneric.

Yet this is never meant to become a vehicle for wildeyed thrills. Oh, and also to confuse matters within the openair-VW corner farther, a fresh Beetle cabrio (four seats, midsize, you have the idea) is along the way next year. We wager the Golfing will be the cab to get.

Volkswagen Golf MK7 review