Volkswagen today announced a nifty GTI version of the Golf "cabriolet" -- a soft top convertible -- for the European market only. It's the first-ever GTI drop-top.

But as with the non-GTI ragtop, Golf GTI loyalists in the USA won't be able to get their hands on it.

When the latest Golf cabrio was unveiled a year ago, VW said the volume wouldn't support it in the U.S., and besides, the same-size Eos hard top convertible is sold here. Yes, but the two are conceptually different, and both sell in Europe. Anyway, with a Beetle ragtop said on the way, there's likely no chance we'll see the Golf.

The GTI version of the Golf ragtop, on sale next month, has the same 210 hp., 2.0-liter turbo as Eos, but offers a 6-speed stick as well as the 6-speed, dual-clutch DSG automatic. VW claims a 7.3-second O-62 mph and fuel economy in the Euro test cycle equivalent to 31 mpg.

The car gets a sportier GTI makeover -- new front and rear fascia and rocker panels, LED rear lighting, red grille accent and 17-in. or 18-in. wheels outside; GTI tartan fabric inserts inside. GTI suspension tuning underneath.

As with the non-GTI Golf cabrio, the soft top is electric and drops in 9.5 seconds at speeds up to 19 mph and goes up in 11 seconds. Safety features include front, side and knee air bags and an active rollover protection system.

In addition to a different look and feel, the soft-top Golf has a rear-seat room edge, and while it has a cubic foot less cargo space than Eos -- 9 vs. 10 -- the fabric top rather than steel means all 9 cu. ft. can be used with the top down, too. And the Golf's split folding rear seat gives options for more cargo room for everyday practicality.