Updated: 11-Jul-2023

Model years: 1988-1992

Locales: USACanada

Model Information

Boutique

The Cabriolet Boutique was the top trim level for the 1988-1990 model years in the USA, and up through 1992 in Canada.

Canada: The 1991-1992 Boutique is the equivalent of the Carat in the USA. Car is badged as Golf Cabriolet.

Rumor was years ago that only 5 Guinea Blue models were produced for the USA, but this has been proven false via the Cabriolet Registry (there are currently 8+ listed). Chances are better that, given that 1989 was a 40th Anniversary year, that VW sent 40 Guinea Blue Boutique Cabriolets to the USA, shipping one or two to their top-selling dealers. Regardless, Guinea Blue is among the rarest Cabriolet colors in North America.


Model Rarity: uncommon

Original MSRP

1989: $16,740 w/o options

1990: $16,740 w/o options

M-code

M-712

Literature

Brochure

Equipment

Standard

Mechanical

  • Engine:
    • 1988-1989: JH with K-Jetronic fuel injection
    • 1990+: 2H with Digifant fuel injection
  • Transmission:
    • 1988-1989: ACD 5-speed manual
    • 1990+: AUG 5-speed manual
  • Power steering

Exterior

  • Vinyl convertible top
  • Vinyl top boot
  • Color-matched mirror housings
  • Alloy wheels
    • 1988-1990: 14" Avus (color-matched on white model)
    • 1991-1992: 14" Silverstone Canada

Interior & Electrical

  • Interior Code: 88
  • Front sports seats with driver's height adjust
  • 1990+: Front power windows* (USA)
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel (1990: with airbag in USA) and gearshift boot
  • 1991+: Rear shoulder belts
  • Heidelberg VII (USA) stereo-cassette radio
    *Canada note: If car came with power windows, it received the USA airbag kneebar.

Optional

Mechanical

  • TNA 3-speed automatic transmission ($505)

Convenience

  • Cruise control ($225)

Interior & Electrical

  • Air conditioning ($825)

Factory Color Combinations 1988-1990

Alpine White, L90E

Boutique rear
Top boot color: White
Boutique rear
Top color: White
Interior 88
Interior code: 88

Bordeaux Red Pearl, LC3Y (1990 only)

Boutique front
Top boot color: White
Boutique rear
Top color: White
Interior 88
Interior code: 88

Guinea Blue, LH5K ( USA 1989 only)

Boutique front
Top boot color: White
Boutique front
Top color: White
Interior 88
Interior code: 88

Factory Color Combinations Canada1991+

Alpine White, L90E

Boutique front
Top color: White
Boutique rear
Top boot color: White
Interior 88
Interior code: 88

Aqua Blue Pearl, LC5U

Boutique front
Top boot color: White
Boutique front
Top color: White
Interior 88
Interior code: 88

Bordeaux Red Pearl, LC3Y

Boutique rear
Top boot color: White
Boutique front
Top color: White
Interior 88
Interior code: 88
(manual window kneebar shown)

Model Rarity Rating Key:
Very Common
Very Common		 Common
Common		 Rare
Uncommon		 Rare
Rare		 Unicorn Rare
Unicorn Rare