It might come as a surprise that we’re featuring a “regular” 160bhp Twincharged Golf this month. Do note that the Golf in question isn’t the hot GTI or the (even hotter) R hatchback. Rather, it’s what is arguably the “softest” option in the Golf lineup – the Cabriolet.
Not that we don’t think highly of the regular Golf Cabriolet, mind you. We believe it’s one of the most uncompromised soft-top cars around, and in 210bhp GTI Cabriolet form, will easily give its fixed-roof, more focused hatchback sibling (and other hot hatches, too) a run for its money.
But is a standard Golf Cabriolet a good base for a Mod Ride monster? Well, going by what owner Aziz has done, the answer would have to be yes. His car would put even the factory-stock GTI Cabriolet in the shade, thanks to a Stage 2 tuning kit from APR. His Golf Cabriolet now develops a dyno-measured 220bhp at the crankshaft, a healthy 60bhp up from the stock 160bhp.
Even if that performance increase is hard to measure without the help of a dyno, the Fox quad-tailpipe exhaust system should signal (aurally as well) this Golf Cabriolet’s intent.
Helping it stop in equally quick measure is a pair of front brakes from the Golf R with 345mm Tarox cross-drilled and slotted rotors. Shoring up the rear are the standard Golf Cabriolet’s brake rotors, although they’re given a boost with the Goodridge stainless-steel brake lines and EBC Red brake pads.
Naturally, this Golf Cabriolet has the looks, too. Helping protect the pristine white colour scheme is a protective coating from PPS. Not only does it claim to be able to effectively repel grime and water, it also has a “self-brushing” effect, cleaning itself as water runs off it.
And with such pretty external add-ons such as a front bumper, front lip and side skirts from Rieger, it’s no wonder looking tip-top is of paramount concern. After all, giving your car that designer aftermarket bodykit and neglecting the cleaning is just, well, sloppy.
It’s a good thing this isn’t the case here, because this Golf Cabriolet’s owner has really gone out of his way to ensure it looks like nothing else on the road. The grille and rear valence have a custom glossy-black finish, there’s a customised LED-backlit scuff plate and a (also customised) racing stripe adorning the bonnet. Even more unseen elements such as the engine cover have received the bespoke touch, with this Golf Cabriolet sporting one in superhero Iron Man’s signature red hue.
What’s been gotten “off the rack”, however, is no less impressive. The red leather interior features a selection of parts from Osir Design’s catalogue. These include a brushed-finish stainless steel footrest and a pair of exquisite solid aluminium paddle-shifters. Another example of Osir’s quality is the air-conditioning vent gauge pod mount, in which is nestled a Prosport boost gauge.
But don’t go thinking that Aziz has focused solely on power and aesthetics. This white beauty of a Golf Cabriolet also features a set of German suspension specialists KW’s top-shelf V3 coilovers, supplemented by set of H&R anti-roll bars front and rear.
Elsewhere, the Golf Cabriolet’s “footwork” gets even fancier with a Unibrace UB, a reinforcement brace spanning almost the entire underbody. This stiffens up the entire chassis, to put back in terms of rigidity what losing the roof has taken out.
That’s but a tiny selection of the handling goodies on offer here, with other highlights including SuperPro suspension control arms with integral roll centre adjusters and a Shoreline bump steer kit to help the car track better through corners.
Even its sound system hasn’t been spared. This Golf Cabriolet gets a Pioneer TS-WX110A subwoofer, a Rockford Fosgate amplifier and German Maestro speakers.
It might seem this particular car is wanting for nothing, but seeing as how Aziz has made no less than three additions to his extensive list of mods since he graciously agreed to let us to feature his pride and joy, it seems that there’s always room for improvement.
And if you ever think a Golf Cabriolet is the “soft option”, we’ll definitely point you here, because his white Teutonic “stallion” is definitely an exception to the rule.
EXTERIOR
Rieger front bumper and front lip
Rieger side skirts
OSIR carbon fibre door mirror covers
Custom piano black front grille and rear valence
Custom white LED scuff plates
Custom white LED puddle light, reverse light and licence plate light
Custom racing stripe
PPS Ceramic Nano paint coating
Custom soft-top operation via key fob
INTERIOR
Volkswagen Golf R steering wheel
Custom “R” seat height adjustment lever emblem
OSIR solid aluminium paddle-shifters
OSIR carbon fibre gear lever surround
OSIR stainless steel footrest
Volkswagen sports pedals
OSIR O-Pod Mono air-conditioning vent pod
Prosport boost gauge
UltraGauge OBD II gauge
STP two-layer door soundproofing
Orange electronics tyre pressure monitoring system
Custom tweeter pods
Pioneer TS-WX110A subwoofer
Rockford Fosgate PX400X4 amplifier
German Maestro CS6508 IV speakers
ENGINE
APR Stage 2 tuning (60bhp increase to 220bhp)
Forge Motorsport blowoff valve
VWR cold air intake
Audi S3 intercooler
Okada ignition coils
Setrab engine oil cooler
Custom engine cover
BSH engine torque arm mount insert
PedalBox throttle response device
