Berlin  - Volkswagen is planning to revive a convertible version of the Golf with the start of sales start scheduled for 2010, Germany's Auto Bild newspaper reports.

Situated in the segment below the EOS, it will be smaller and cheaper featuring a vinyl roof that hugs the bodywork closely, according to pictures revealed in the report.

A Golf convertible was built between 1979 and 2002 with the New Beetle convertible produced in Mexico finally replacing the open top version.

The platform of the current Golf V three-door model would serve as the basis for the convertible, doing away with the rollover bars of earlier models. Rollover protection is provided by supports situated within the front headrests.

Optional extras could include electronic dampers, a keyless entry system and a neck heating system in the headrests, the report said.

Like its predecessor the Golf convertible would serve as a bridging model between two Golf generations. The Golf VI is scheduled for replacement by the completely new Golf VII in 2012, according to the report. (dpa)