Though it may not be the most absorbing hot hatch in the world, the latest
Golf R
is not without merit. But both it and the Mk6 have lacked a little something that made the
Mk4 and 5
so alluring despite their dynamic foibles; that hearty old V6 engine.
Is covert coupe an oxymoron?
Yes it made the nose heavy and it wasn't especially efficient but what a glorious, exciting noise it made. It was a USP over its hot hatch rivals that the 2.0-litre turbocharged versions now don't have.
Dynamics and a V6 though? There's a combination. The Corrado nailed that brief 20 years ago and VW arguably hasn't matched it, from an enthusiast's perspective at least, ever since. The Scirocco and Mk5 GTIs were great but of course lacked a truly memorable engine.
We all know the Corrado wasn't a massive sales success; the styling must have something to with it given the pretty little Mk1 Scirocco established such a high start point for small VW coupes. Now it's fairly plain appearance seems quite befitting of the time. It's not showy or dramatic, the wheels looking especially tiny by contemporary standards, but there's something pleasingly unpretentious about it. Or it's just a bit dull.
Fast, fun and affordable as old VWs go
This
car is standard and looks to be in fine fettle. It's been owned for seven years by the current owner too which is usually a good sign. And the spoiler works.
There are just seven Corrados for sale on PH including this one. Amongst the 16-valve cars, the modified examples and the diesel conversion (really), this VR6 looks all the more desirable.
With values of fast early Golfs relentlessly climbing, or so it seems, it will be intriguing to see what happens to unmolested VR6 Corrados. They're not icons for many, they never will be, but it seems unlikely there will be a Corrado VR6 Shed anytime soon. Even if values don't climb, this is still one of the 90s best sports coupes for £3K. Or less than the price of that Golf R's options.
VW CORRADO VR6
Engine: 2,861cc V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 190@5,800rpm
Torque (lb ft): 181@4,200rpm
MPG: 28
CO2: NA
First registered: 1992
Recorded mileage: 99,000
Price new: £19,895
Yours for: £3,300
See the original advert here