They have maintained a great reputation for being solid and reliable cars and this is what has drawn so many buyers to them even over the desirability of the sporty GTi models such as the Golf.
In 1989 Volkswagen unveiled the Volkswagen Corrado. This was a new Volkswagen that broke the mould in terms of design and elegance and it went on to be Volkswagens fast ever car. Unfortunately after six years the model was to be discontinued due to cost cutting and the low profit margins in the vehicle.
The first UK right hand drive model Corrado's arrive in May of 1989 and had the Golf GTi 1.8 litre 16 valve engine fitted. Two years later after desirability for a higher performance model Volkswagen announced the arrival in April 1991 of the supercharged G60 model. This had previously been available only as a special order in left hand drive.
These early models all had alloy wheels, power steering and central locking as standard and a rear spoiler which was electronically controlled to rise automatically at 40mph. This was a feature that people loved similar to the Porsche 911 but it was more likely to be a selling feature than actually required for the aerodynamics.
1992 saw the 1.8 litre engine replaced with a 2.0 litre unit with a catalytic converter being mandatory. ABS brakes were also added with an increased torque to improve driveability but the power output of 136bhp remaining the same as the 1.8 litre model.
September of the same year saw the six cylinder VR6 engine included in the Corrado model line-up. This was a 2.9 litre unit based on the Golf VR6's 2.8 and took the Corrado to become Volkswagens first 150mph car. They also included the option of an automatic transmission but production of the car only lasted a short period of time and production was ended in 1996.
With regard to specification, all models specs were high but the later models did have slightly better equipment hence these are the most desirable of the bunch.
Whichever model you decide to go for you will have a gorgeous looking sports coupe that can seat four adults comfortably and still looks great today in 2013.
Obviously the brand is renowned for its reliability and with the Volkswagen network parts aren't a problem although they aren't now as readily available as they once were and can be pricey.
The Corrado's handling is superb with excellent suspension and a fantastic chassis, show any variant of the Corrado a long winding road and it will lap it up with love even if a little of the firm side but this is a sports car…
This is probably Volkswagens best ever sports coupe and is still hugely popular with enthusiasts worldwide with owners clubs plentiful. An excellent car that is sure to be a future classic.
I have spent all my working life involved in the UK motor trade. I have written articles for Wikipedia as well as car selling websites such as dealerbid.co.uk














