Golf Mk3 VR6 Basic History

[dubloke 4]

VR6 '92-98

February 1992, a good month and year as it turned out because Volkswagen decided to plumb the VR6 unit into a Golf. The result was a VR6. Unfortunately the little Golf got the 2.8 174 bhp unit from the Passat rather than the 2.9 190 bhp version as seen in the Corrado, but never mind.

The narrow 15-degree engine sat snugly and transversely between the front wheels. It was managed by the five-speed gearbox from the GTI, but suitably modified and strengthened to cope with the power. The traction control unit was also there to do the same job working with the ABS to keep wheelspin to a minimum and working exclusively at speeds below 25 mph.

It was a potent package, 60 mph came up in around 7 seconds and the top speed was just short of 140 mph. The suspension was uprated, but arguably still as soft, meaning that the handling could have been better, but at least it was refined, which always was VW's intention.

The specification comprised, front foglamps, leather steering wheel, rear headrests, electric glass tilt/slide sunroof and Isola cloth upholstery. It ran on 6.5 BBS cross spokes with 205/50R 15V tyres. For September '92 there was height adjustment for the passenger seat and a fully electronic ignition. February '93 saw a four-speed auto become an option, not as bad as it sounds as it suits the VR6.

By September driver and passenger airbags were standard. In October 1994 an engine immobiliser was finally fitted. In July 1995 body coloured bumpers and wheelarch mouldings were added. More important though was the Highline from April 1995. Manual air conditioning, leather trim, walnut topped gearlever, heated seats and either Black Pearl, or Purple Violet Pearl metallic paintwork which the hide would match. Both the standard and Highline VR6 were discontinued in November 1997.