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Arguably one of the most attractive models ever buiłt by Volkswagen, the Corrado G60 was distinguished by BBS cross-spoke alloys

X Some parts very expensive

Below left: Comfortable interior typically conservative; steering wheel same as lesser models

Below: Facia was shared with the Passat

N0VEMBER 2000 V0lKSWAGEN DRIVTR 49

GOOD POINTS

✓    High performance levels

✓    Superb handling

✓    Looks and style

✓    High build quality

✓    Rust-resistant body

✓    Comfortable and durable interior

✓    Great driver's car

✓    Futurę classic status assured

✓    Weil supported by active owners' club

BAD POINTS

X G60 supercharger can become troublesome at high mileages

X Eariy cable-operated gear change lacks precision

X Standard damping inadequate for high-performance driving

intercoołer. installed in the lower front left corner of the engine bay, a fully electromc management system, which was basically Digifant with a knock sensor and boost control, and a catalyst.

Compared with the normally-aspirated GTI engine. the G60 had a lower compression ratio <8.0:1 >. different pistons. sodium-cooled exhaust valves and a camshaft with reduced overlap. The throttle body was also different. incorporating a bypass valve to recirculaie excess pressurised air back to the supercharger inlet at smali throttle openings.

The result was that the Corrado G60 became the fastest car produced by Volkswagen at that time. with a top speed of 140mph and 0~60mph acceleration m 75 seconds. Particularly impressive, and highlighted in the road test in Volkswagen Audi Car in March 1992, was the engine's strong mtd-range torque. givmg 50-70mph times of 5.8 seconds m fourth gear and 8.6 seconds in fifth.

These were not only quicker than some highly-modified 16V models with 180bhp, but also beat the 190bhp 2.9-łitre VR6 which later replaced the G60. We reckoned its superb response from Iow revs madę the supercharged 1.8 feel morę like a 2.5-litre engine.

Although supercharged engines tend to be thirstier than normally aspirated or turbocharged units. we recorded a fuel consumption of 30.8mpg overall; pretty good for a car of this performance and much better than the later VR6 models could achieve.

The Corrado was umversally praised for its handling. Its Sharp responses, agility and sheer cornering ability set new standards for front-wheel drive. although there was nothmg radical or innovative in the chassis design. The coil-sprung MacPherson start front suspension and trailing arm torsion beam rear came from the Golf and Passat parts bins. The Corrado was surpnsingly heavy. weighing almost as much as a Passat, but this hardly seemed to matter

The G60 was fitted with BBS cross-spoke alloy wheels, which distinguished it visually from the 16V. Wheel size was 6x15 and the tyres were 195/50. Brakes were 280mm vented at the front and solid discs at the rear

A particular feature of the Corrado was the electrically