What is the Volkswagen Cabrio?
The Volkswagen Cabrio was the open-top member of the Golf family, pairing a folding roof with a compact car layout. It began as a Golf III Cabriolet and was later updated with styling in the Golf IV’s vein. A fixed roll bar remained part of its shape.
The Cabrio carried the Golf’s everyday compact-car character into a convertible body. Volkswagen refreshed its styling and cabin while continuing the same Cabriolet line.
Generations and engines
The Cabrio’s listed generation is III/IV, with factory codes 1E and 1J. The US and Canadian listings cover 1995–2002. The later update brought revised styling in the Golf IV style.
The US and Canadian listings specify a 2.0 L petrol engine.
Fuel consumption and markets
US EPA figures for 1995–2002 list a lowest consumption of 9.8 L/100 km and a best combined rating of 24 MPG. Canadian NRCan figures for those years list 10 L/100 km on the 5-cycle test. The EPA and Canadian 5-cycle procedures differ; European figures use NEDC or WLTP.
The Cabrio was listed in the United States and Canada. Its convertible body combined open-air driving with the compact layout of the Golf.
Questions and answers
What is the Volkswagen Cabrio?
It is the Golf family’s compact convertible, based first on the Golf III and later styled in line with the Golf IV.
Which generation does it belong to?
The listed generation is III/IV, with factory codes 1E and 1J, covering 1995–2002 in the US and Canada.
What engine is listed for North America?
A 2.0 L petrol engine is listed for both the US and Canadian markets.
What are its official consumption figures?
The US EPA listing reaches 24 MPG combined, with 9.8 L/100 km lowest consumption; Canada lists 10 L/100 km on its 5-cycle test.