A Porsche Boxster can be bought for less money than a Golf R cabrio. What other soft-tops can be had for the money? The new Volkswagen Golf R cabriolet costs from 38,770. Thats right, 38,770. And for a car based on the previous Golf VI underpinnings, rather than the shiny new MQB structure of the Golf VII.
That price makes it more expensive than a Porsche Boxster, which starts from 37,589. Ill just say that again: the Volkswagen Golf R cabriolet costs more than a Porsche Boxster, arguably the finest open-top sports car around.
In my opinion, theres no justification for VWs ludicrous pricing policy here; the argument that they appeal to different buyers doesnt really cut it when the main reason for purchase is that you want something fast, sporty and with a fabric roof. Practical considerations are very much secondary.
The Boxster is not the only cabriolet the Golf R outprices. If you fancy something bigger but still with four-wheel drive, then theres the Audi A5 2. 0 TFSI Quattro. You can also get change from 36,660 BMW 325i cabriolet and not have to stretch too much further to get a 40,225 330i cabriolet.
Dont fancy the 3-series? You can have a top-of-the-range, all-bells-and-whistles 302bhp BMW 135i Sport Plus Edition for 36,125. Or a BMW Z4 with the same 302bhp 3. 0-litre engine will set you back 39,740.
I could go on: a fully loaded Mazda MX-5, any Lotus Elise, a highly equipped Mercedes SLK, an entry-level Mercedes E-class cabriolet and a top-spec Nissan 370Z roadster GT are all well within reach.
VW has priced the Golf R cabriolet up against a whole host of bigger, faster, more luxurious and, going by Greg Kables initial impressions of the car, better rivals that it looks rather foolish against when compared with directly.
Boxster and more than 1000 of change, or a Golf? For me it is no contest, but what do you think?