Performance VW February 2022

We’ve always had competition at Performance VW, way before the Internet emerged. Rewind the clocks a couple of decades and a certain publication that went by the name of Golf+ used to keep us on our toes when it came to snagging the latest modified VWs to emerge on the scene. The trouble is, back then, before you could scroll Instagram looking for cars, you actually had to get off your backside and attend events to meet people and effectively win their trust in order to gain exclusive rights to featuring their cars before any other publication did. Whether it was luck, my amazing personality or (more than likely) the weight this publication’s name carried, as a rule we used to win 99% of the cars we went after. Of…

Back in September of 2003 I was but a young buck recently employed to work on a niche motoring magazine called Golf+ (Wash your mouth out – Ed). It was the dream job of writing about modified VWs built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts. It was literally a life changing switch from being a civil servant to a fully paid up member of the press doing something that everyone involved loved beyond measure – still do! Aside from being in competition with a rather splendid magazine called PVW, which arguably always snaffled the cooler cars, there was always an ongoing quest to feature the superior machines. Anyway, in September 2003 a young chap by the name of Grant Fearby came to us with a brown Mk2 Golf built by himself and his…

TAROX was quick to spot the potential of the Mk8 Golf Clubsport and R, and has developed the world’s first braking upgrade for these performance VWs. Available from the TAROX Bespoke Range, these fully-floating discs are manufactured from a solid billet of steel, then heat treated and cooled for strength and durability. A direct replacement for the OEM discs on the Clubsport and R, they measure 340mm (£862) and 356mm (£970) respectively. A range of facings may be specified, according to driving style and preferences, including the best-selling, grooved, F2000 design. To complement these high-performance discs, two compounds of pad are available: Strada, for road; and Corsa, for track/more powerful road cars. Both pads cost £178 and offer improved friction resulting in more bite and are able to operate at higher…

The stage is set for a new body shape from the Volkswagen brand: With the new compact crossover Taigo, Volkswagen has launched an SUV coupé on the European market for the first time. The front-wheel drive Taigo is a real crowd-pleaser with its trendy crossover body style, raised seating positions, pioneering connectivity and unrestricted suitability for everyday use. The rear of the five-seater car slopes backwards in the style of a coupé, without restricting headroom in the back seat. This sees Volkswagen expand the portfolio of the compact Polo (hatchback) and T-Cross (SUV) models built on the MQB platform with a third chassis variant, which has previously been primarily reserved for high-end models. Numerous latest-generation assistance systems guarantee optimum comfort and a high level of safety for all passengers. The Taigo…

Revo is pleased to announce the release of ECU software for vehicles fitted with a 2.0T EA888 Gen3.b 190PS DKZA (GPF Equipped) engine, such as the Audi A3, Q2, Seat Ateca, Leon, Skoda Octavia, Superb, VW Arteon, Passat, T-Roc, Tiguan and many more. The 2.0T 190PS DKZA has seen some substantial changes from the previous GEN3b variant to keep in line with the latest emissions laws, most notable is the introduction of the GPF system. Close monitoring of the GPF system has been an essential step in finding the limitations and tuning potential. The consensus is that the GPF not only mutes but limits the engine power. The new Revo ECU calibration finds a way to dispute that. The upgrade itself features all the usual benefits offered by Revo’s switchable…

If the tailgate on your Mk1 Golf has had enough of keeping the water out, or your window in place, its probably time to invest in a replacement. Fortunately, the good folk at Heritage Parts Centre have been in touch with news of some fresh genuine metal filling their warehouse shelves, including a haul of rear hatches for the first-generation tin top models. Pressed to Citi Golf specification, there are no holes for a rear wiper or badges, but this could be easily rectified should your car be staying standard. As with all NOS items, they won’t be around forever, so if you need it, grab it! Count out £413.95 and head over to HeritagePartsCentre.com. Naturally they’ll also be able to supply the glass, rubber seals, badges, and lock to…