Volkswagen Corrado I

Photo: Mr.choppers / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

The Volkswagen Corrado I (1989–1995): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 7 versions in the United States and Canada.

Model codes: 53i

Dimensions, weights and capacity

Specification	Europe	North America	Wikipedia
Dimensions
Length	4,048–4,050 mm Traficom	–	4,049 mm
Width	1,680 mm Traficom	–	1,674–1,689 mm
Height	1,320 mm RDW	–	1,310 mm
Wheelbase	2,480 mm RDW	–	2,469–2,471 mm
Weights and towing
Kerb weight	1,015–1,161 kg RDW	–	1,115–1,285 kg
Mass in running order	1,115–1,261 kg RDW	–	–
Gross vehicle weight	1,505–1,580 kg RDW	–	–
Towing, braked trailer	1,200 kg RDW	–	–
Towing, unbraked trailer	520–583 kg RDW	–	–
Seats and space
Seats	4 RDW	–	–
Doors	2 RDW	–	–
Boot space	–	–	235 L
Luggage space (EPA)	–	425–538 L EPA	–
Passenger space (EPA)	–	2,265 L EPA	–
Fuel tank	–	–	55–70 L
Performance
Top speed	225 km/h RDW	–	196–212 km/h
0–100 km/h	–	–	9.1–11.5 s
Torque	–	–	154–235 Nm

Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: Traficom type approvals (Finland), Wikipedia (en, de, es, pl), RDW type approvals (Netherlands), US EPA fuel economy data. Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reliability and owner reports

UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age

Age at test	Pass rate	UK average	Tests
13 years and older	76.7% (75.2–78.1)	69.2%	3,218

What the MOT finds

Area	This model	UK average, same ages
Brakes	34.5%	36.4%
Suspension	29.8%	41.6%
Noise, emissions and leaks	19.7%	17.1%
Body, chassis and structure	16.7%	18.6%
Lights and electrics	16.3%	28.8%
Tyres	13.0%	31.2%

First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)

Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)

149 complaints for model years 1990–1995. 2 crashes · 5 fires · 12 injuries

Visibility and wipers 63
Engine 44

Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints

All 7 versions of the Volkswagen Corrado I

United States 5 versions

Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Drive	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
1993–1994(FFS), CLKUP	2.8 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Front-wheel drive	19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA	291 g/km
1992–1994(FFS)	2.8 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	Front-wheel drive	19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA	291 g/km
1992–1993(FFS), 2MODE CLKUP	2.8 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Front-wheel drive	17 MPG (13.8 L/100 km) EPA	325 g/km
1990–1992(FFS)	1.8 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	Front-wheel drive	21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA	263 g/km
1991–1992(FFS), 2MODE CLKUP	1.8 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Front-wheel drive	20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA	276 g/km

Canada 2 versions

Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
1995Compact	2.8 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	12.7 L/100 km 5-cycle	292 g/km
1995Compact	2.8 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	12.7 L/100 km 5-cycle	292 g/km

Similar models from other brands

Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.