Volkswagen Golf
VW Golf Tyres
Classic Golf MK1 Tyres 1974 - 1983
- The base models of the MK1 VW Golf 1.1 L, N, C, CL, GL, Formel ’E’ and the 1.5 LD Diesel models fitted 145R13, 155R13 or 175/70R13.
- The early Golf was fitted with 145R13 tyres; we would suggest 145HR13 Pirelli Cinturato CA67 or 145HR13 Michelin XAS.
- The Golf 1.3 LS, GLS, C CL & GL. Golf 1.5 LS, GLS, S, C, CL and GL and the 1.6 LS and Diesel C fitted 155R13 and 175/70R13.
- For these MK1 Golf models with 155R13 tyres we would suggest a set of 155HR13 Michelin XAS tyres.
- The MK1 Golf GTi and GLi, both the 1.6 and 1.8 models and the MK1 Golf Turbo Diesel fitted 175/70R13 Pirelli Cinturato CN36 tyres.
- For all MK1 Golfs fitting 5.5”X13” wheels we would suggest that the best choice is still the 175/70VR13 Pirelli Cinturato CN36, as it was the tyre fitted by VW themselves.
- There were also Michelin TRX options for MK1 Golf 180/65R340 or 190/55R365, neither of which are produced any more.
- MK1 Golf tyre pressures; we suggest 26psi in the front and 32psi in the rear.
- The VW Golf GTi MK1 tyre pressures on the front need a little more than 27psi in the 1.8 GTi model.
MK2 VW Golf tyres 1984 to 1992
- The early 1.3 C Golf MK2 still fitted 155R13, we would suggest the 155HR13 Michelin XAS.
- The 1.6 and base 1.8 MK2 Golfs initially carried on with the 175/70R13, where we would still suggest the 175/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 as a ideal tyre.
- From 1985 many of the more sporty models such as the Golf GTi Convertible, Golf GTi 16v fitted 14” wheels with 185/60R14 Michelin tyres.
- Because so many classic VW such as the Jetta and the Scirocco, not to mention the majority of MK2 and MK3 Golf fit this size we are really pleased to offer the 185/60 VR 14 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2.
Modern Classic VW Golf MK3 tyres 1992 to 1998
- As we get into what is called the 'modern classic car age' specifying tyres is more difficult, as when you chose your car you also had a selection of tyres.
- For most MK3 Golf we would suggest the 185/60VR14 Michelin PE2, 195/60VR14 Michelin MXV3 or the 195/50VR15 Michelin PE2.
- It is great news that Michelin produce the PE2 and the MXV3 ranges of modern classic tyres.
- The top of the range MK3 Golf, such as the 2.0 Golf GTi 16v and the 2.8 VR8 fitted 15” wheels for which we suggest fitting the 205/50R15 Pirelli P7.
- For More information about fitment look at Classic VW Golf tyre pressures.
The ideal inner tube for 145R13 tyres is the Michelin 13CG inner tube, 155R13 tyres would best fit a Michelin 13D inner tube, and 175/70R13 tyres would best fit a Michelin 13E inner tube. Inner tubes are not essential for these tyres, but they can still be a great option compared to going tubeless. For more information, see our inner tube guide.
Volkswagen Golf Recommended Tyres
Other Options for Volkswagen Golf
Golf GTi Tyres
- From 1976 both versions of the VW Golf GTi; the 1.6 GTi and the 1.8 litre GTi fitted 5.5” X13 wheels for which the 175/70VR13 Pirelli Cinturato CN36 is perfect.
- The MK2 Golf GTi 16 valve was introduced in 1985. The MK2 Golf GTi 16v and GTi Cabriolet fitted 185/60R14 Michelin tyres.
- Currently Michelin make the 185/60R14 Pilot Exalto PE2 which is perfect for a MK2 Golf GTi.
- From 1993 the MK3 Golf GTi and the 1994 Golf VR6 version of the GTi wants the 205/50R15 Pirelli Cinturato P7.
Independent Tyre Test - The Results
In the world of modern tyres it is common place to come across a tyre test. However in the world of classic tyres the investment never seems to be there to do a proper modern tyre test. However a German magazine in July 2016 conducted this modern tyre test using classic tyres. This classic tyre test has been translated from German to English. What is remarkable in this tyre test is quite how well the PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN36 classic tyre performed in the table at the end. The scores in this table are not scored in relationship to the other tyres in the test, so when a score of 1 is recorded, then that is a perfect score for a classic tyre or a modern tyre. It is wonderful to see that these classic PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN36 tyres can give such exemplary results.
History of the Volkswagen Golf
Built between 1974-1983 the Volkswagen Golf MK1 was intended as a modern front-wheel drive hatchback replacement to the Volkswagen Beetle, being designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro (who had also designed the Lotus Esprit). Known as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the US, the Golf would go on to be the second biggest selling model in the world and replaced the high-volume sales of the Beetle for Volkswagen after sales of the Beetle started to tail off in 1970. In 1975 a sportier version of the Golf in the Golf GTI was launched, which would retroactively be known as the first popular hot-hatch that would lead to competitors outfitting their own hatchbacks with high-performance packages too.
