Hot hatches may have been the favoured sporting cars during the 1980s, but there were still those discerning individuals who hankered after a sleeker coupe. Just for them, Volkswagen followed up its popular Scirocco with the more rounded and faster Corrado

The Corrado used the second generation Golf GTI as its starting point, so the first ones had the same 136bhp 1.8-litre 16-valve engine as later GTIs. This was enough for brisk performance and for the Corrado to earn a strong reputation for its handling among the motoring press of the time

While coupe buyers liked the svelte looks and the clever mix of VW parts bin elements, including a Passat dashboard, a tad more power was required. It arrived with the 158bhp G60, which took the unusual route of using a supercharger to boost power.

It could crack 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds and head on to 140mph. Heady figures for the late 1980s

However, it took until 1991 for the definitive Corrado model to go on sale in the shape of the VR6. Under the bonnet of this Corrado was a compact 2.8-litre V6 engine bristling with 187bhp.

It may not sound so muscular nowadays, but the Corrado’s light 1,230kg weight helped this version spring from 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds and onwards to 142mph.

The fact that the VR6 could handle its power and put it down on the road when rivals such as the Vauxhall Calibra fumbled made the VW even more appealing.

VW had created a serious rival to the likes of the Porsche 944 and Lotus Excel at a much more affordable price. Other appealing features of the Corrado included a rear wing that rose up electrically above 50mph to aid stability, and flush-fitting glass to give a more aerodynamic shape.

As an understated express the Corrado was perfect for passing by unnoticed, which may have been why it was footballer Roy Keane’s first car as his career took off to help him slip past his fans.When production of the Corrado ended, 97,000 had found homes.

Unfortunately, many went on to lives – and deaths – being poorly modified as part of Max Power culture in the 1990s. Now, thankfully, the Corrado is recognised as the modern classic coupe it deserves to be and good examples are perfect everyday classic transport.

There’s little to worry about when buying a Corrado. Make sure the rear spoiler operates as it should, there’s no crash damage and the VR6 engine doesn’t smoke.

Otherwise, get in and enjoy one of the best compact coupes ever built.

At a glance

Name and model
Volkswagen Corrado

Popular colours
Red, yellow, blue

Rarity
Medium

Related cars
Golf GTI

Rival models
Toyota Celica,
Vauxhall Calibra

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