WE all know how good the VW Golf is to drive but the Cabriolet adds a whole new dimension.

I have been a lover of open topped cars all my life, but this one really is brilliant in every way.

I drove it when the temperature wasn't down to freezing, but was still cold enough for coats and scarves every time you went out.

Yet the Golf kept me warm with the roof down almost every time I went out, including one memorable 120 mile drive after dark, with a million stars lighting up the sky overhead.

I drove the excellent 1.4 TSI turbo petrol in top GT spec, and was delighted by its huge range of abilities.

With 150bhp on tap, there's plenty of power whenever needed, and it pulls hard from fairly low revs in the way of most turbos.

There's always enough urge for quick, safe overtaking, with immediate response to a nudge from the right foot.

If that were all, it would be a good car, but what makes it superb is the roadholding, handling and ride.

It has hugely enjoyable and exploitable roadholding, with amazing levels of grip - limpet like even on poor surfaces.

The front to rear balance is perfect and the steering up with the very best on the market - full of feel and weighted perfectly for every speed.

It even rides very well over all surfaces at cruising speeds, soaking up the worst lumps and bumps with ease.

High speed driving with the hood up is very refined, and its even possible to hold a normal conversation with a passenger at up to 70 miles an hour with it down.

This takes about ten seconds, so can be done sitting at traffic lights when the rain stops!

Inside, there is room for three - or four for a very short journey. The driver's seats is supportive and comfortable, and there's adjustment enough for all sizes.

The boot is low but fairly deep, and the aperture is quite narrow.

Equipment in this top spec is excellent, including climate, alloys, alarm, remote audio controls, bluetooth, cruise, stability and traction control, folding back seats and parking sensors.