Verdict
A
BHP
187 bhp
0–60
6.7 s
Top speed
145 mph
MPG
22 mpg (US)
Used
$10,000-$44,000
Strengths
- VR6 sound and torque are special
- Genuinely 140 mph+ in 1992
- Solidly built — best of pre-PQ34 VW
Weaknesses
- UK survivors all need rust work
- Parts now sourced from specialists
- Pop-up spoiler mechanism fragile
Notable tech
- Mk2 Golf-derived platform
- Active rear spoiler deploys at 45 mph
- VR6 narrow-angle 15° six-cylinder
- G-Lader scroll supercharger on G60
- Storage Box trim levels in UK
Common issues
- Rust on rear arches, sills, scuttle
- VR6 oil pump pickup blockage
- G60 supercharger rebuild needed
- Pop-up spoiler motor failure
Engine derivatives
US-spec trims and engines offered across 53I's life. Click any two rows to compare them side-by-side.
1.8 16v petrol
BHP134
Torque167 Nm
0–608.5 s
Top127 mph
MPG (US)27 mpg
DriveFWD
Gearbox5MT
2.0 8v petrol
BHP113
Torque166 Nm
0–6010.0 s
Top120 mph
MPG (US)25 mpg
DriveFWD
Gearbox5MT
2.0 16v petrol
BHP134
Torque180 Nm
0–608.7 s
Top128 mph
MPG (US)25 mpg
DriveFWD
Gearbox5MT
1.8 G60 supercharged
BHP158
Torque225 Nm
0–607.7 s
Top139 mph
MPG (US)23 mpg
DriveFWD
Gearbox5MT
2.9 VR6 petrol
BHP187
Torque245 Nm
0–606.7 s
Top145 mph
MPG (US)22 mpg
DriveFWD
Gearbox5MT