VW Golf A59, The Scarcity Golf Model Almost Joins The World's Reli

Golf A59. (Dok. Volkswagen)

JAKARTA - Volkswagen Golf is one of the flagship cars as well as the legendary model ever produced by German manufacturers. It is recorded that VW has worked on the eight generations of iconic hatchbacks.

But among all generations, one of the most memorable by automotive fans is the Mk3 VW Golf (or the third generation) which has a distinctive box design. However, many people do not know that this VW Golf almost took part in the prestigious WRC 1994 rally.

Initially, VW built a Golf A59 concept car with a four-wheel drive system to be included in the 1994 rally in Group A class which will compete with legends such as Didier Auriol, Colin McRae, and Tommi M Waykinen, quoted from Motor Trend, Tuesday, April 11.

Then after the car was finished, VW planned to produce 2,500 units of A59 to inaugurate it. Unfortunately, due to the recession, the program was finally canceled and the manufacturer took savings measures in producing cars in the early 1990s.

With the cancellation of the program, Golf A59 was finally pushed over, including with its rally project. As a result, VW Golf A59 became the rarity hatchback car and was only available in the world.

VW puts unusual machines at Golf A59. Equipped with a 2.0 liter all-aluminum turbocharged engine which can produce 275 dk and a 370 Nm torque. For its transmission, VW embeds a manual six acceleration driven by a four-wheel drive system (4WD).

Because for racing, VW supplements it with a special suspension of rallies with a Bilstein shock damping at the front end with a 3-inch front control-arms longer than the standard variant. On the back suspension itself, a multilink setup is paired with a Bilstein bar strut.

Complementing the legs, Golf A59 is equipped with a 16-inch SL817 Speedline rim wrapped in Falken 225/45R16 tires. The Brembo brakes of the cross-Driled disk are also pinned by giving maximum stopping power.

Of course, things that are prepared are not only in terms of performance, but rather the appearance is ready to be included in the world rally. Golf A59 has been equipped with chin spoilers, top spoilers, modified front and rear bumpers which are made of carbon fiber and kevlar to lighten the weight of this car.

However, with a more sporting design, Golf A59 is often suspected of being a high performance variant of the MkIV Golf or the GTI model.

It has also been designed to be prepared for world stage competitions. VW has embedded a digital cluster that replaces traditional clusters on standard variants that can see car information around, oil temperature, oil pressure, fuel pressure, engine speed, temperature on transmission and others.

The seat itself has also been paired with a black Recaro A8 racing seat which includes head back, and other safety parts. To improve security, VW has paired a roll cage on A59.

Of course, automotive or rally fans want to see Golf A59 side by side against other iconic cars such as Subaru Impreza, Toyota Celica Turbo, and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution in the WRC stage. However, this will never be done.

With the design and performance, VW Golf A59 is not only the rarest golf in the world. Instead, it made it the greatest Volkswagen car ever. The car is displayed at the Volkswagen Museum in Germany.