ST XTA Coilovers Volkswagen Golf MK6 R 1K 09-17

ST XTA Coilovers for Volkswagen Golf MK6 R 1K (2009-2017) – 10-35 mm Lower, Height & Rebound Adjustable, Camber Top Mounts

This ST XTA kit replaces the standard springs and dampers on the Volkswagen Golf MK6 R 1K (2009-2017) with a height-adjustable coilover set. It lowers the car by approx. 10-35 mm front and rear, which sharpens the steering, cuts body roll and closes up the wheel arch gap. The ride height is set on threaded struts, so you can go for a subtle drop or use the full approved range, and change it again later.

The ST XTA is ST's fast road and track day coilover. As well as stepless height adjustment and 16-click rebound damping, it comes with Unibal (spherical bearing) top mounts on the front axle, so you can adjust front camber after the coilovers are fitted to get more of the tyre on the road in corners and sharper turn-in. It uses a race spring system: a linear main spring for consistent, predictable behaviour, supported where needed by a helper spring that keeps the main spring seated at full droop. ST is part of the KW automotive group, and the kit is developed and made in Germany using KW engineering.

This kit is for the Volkswagen Golf MK6 R 1K (Inc Convertible, 55mm Strut) with the 1.2 TSI, 1.2 TSI 16V, 1.4, 1.4 16V, 1.4 FSI, 1.4 TSI, 1.6, 1.6 FSI and more, up to a 1110 kg front axle load. Check the Fitment section below before ordering.

Specifications

• Front lowering: approx. 10-35 mm
• Rear lowering: approx. 10-35 mm
• Max front axle load: up to 1110 kg
• Max rear axle load: up to 1150 kg
• Height adjustment: Stepless, on threaded strut housings
• Minimum ride height (wheel hub centre to arch edge): front 320 mm, rear 320 mm
• Damping: Adjustable rebound, 16 clicks
• Springs: Linear main springs with helper springs where needed
• Top mounts: Front Unibal mounts with camber adjustment
• Strut housings: Galvanised steel
• Approval: Parts type approval

Lowering figures are ST's, measured against the standard car. The actual drop varies with engine, equipment and tolerances on each car, and the springs settle slightly after the first few hundred miles.

Key Features

• Front Unibal top mounts with camber adjustment after fitting
• 16-click adjustable rebound damping, delivered with a base setting for this vehicle
• Stepless ride height adjustment on a coarse, dirt-resistant trapezoidal thread
• Race spring system with linear main springs for consistent, predictable handling
• Galvanised, multi-sealed steel strut housings for long-term corrosion protection
• Composite spring perches with stainless steel inserts that stay easy to adjust for years
• Dust covers and bump stops protect the damper seals
• Developed and built in Germany, based on KW engineering
• Supplied with a parts certificate and fitting instructions

What's in the Kit?

• 2 x height-adjustable front coilover struts with springs
• 2 x rear dampers
• 2 x rear springs with height-adjustable spring seats
• 2 x front Unibal top mounts with camber adjustment
• Composite spring perches with stainless steel inserts
• Dust covers and bump stops
• Parts certificate and fitting instructions

Please note: the photos are ST's own images of this kit. Small details such as brackets can differ from the photos.

Fitment

• Volkswagen Golf Plus 1KP, 5M1, 521 (Dec 2004 to Dec 2013)
• Volkswagen Golf V 1K (Oct 2003 to Jul 2010)
• Volkswagen Golf V Estate 1K (Jan 2007 to Jul 2009)
• Volkswagen Golf VI 5K1, 1K (Oct 2008 to Dec 2014)
• Volkswagen Golf VI Convertible 517, 1K (Mar 2011 to Oct 2017)
• Volkswagen Golf VI Estate AJ5, 1KM (Jul 2009 to Jul 2014)
• Engines: 1.2 TSI, 1.2 TSI 16V, 1.4, 1.4 16V, 1.4 FSI, 1.4 TSI, 1.6, 1.6 FSI, 1.6 TDI, 1.6 TDI 4motion, 1.9 TDI, 1.9 TDI 4motion, 2.0, 2.0 FSI, 2.0 FSI 4motion, 2.0 GTI, 2.0 R, 2.0 R 4motion, 2.0 SDI, 2.0 TDI, 2.0 TDI 16V, 2.0 TDI 16V 4motion, 2.0 TDI 4motion, 2.0 TFSI, 2.0 TFSI 4motion, 2.0 TSI, 2.5, 2.5 Rabbit, 3.2 R32 4motion

Not suitable for: Cars with a 50mm front strut clamp; four-wheel-drive versions. Also not for other generations or body styles, which need their own kit, such as ST XTA Coilovers Volkswagen Golf MK6 Estate 1KM 09-14, ST XTA Coilovers Volkswagen Golf MK6 1K 08-17, ST XTA Coilovers Volkswagen Golf MK6 GTI 1K 08-14.

Adaptive dampers: if your car has electronically controlled dampers, the system must be switched off with a cancellation kit (sold separately) to stop warning lights and fault codes: DCC: KW cancellation kit (part no. 68510141); Audi Magnetic Ride: KW cancellation kit (part no. 68510124).

Installation

Fitting means removing the original struts, springs and dampers and fitting the ST units in their place. We recommend a qualified workshop experienced with coilovers. The Unibal top mounts replace the original front top mounts. Set the ride height within the approved range, tighten the suspension bolts with the car's weight on its wheels, and torque everything to the manufacturer's figures. A four-wheel alignment is required once the car is at its final ride height. Re-check the height and alignment after the first few hundred miles, once the springs have settled.

Download ST's documents for this kit: Fitting instructions (PDF), Damper adjustment guide (PDF).

Set the front camber on the Unibal top mounts before the alignment, and start with the rebound adjusters on ST's base setting.

Before you start:

• Disconnect any ride height sensors (headlight levelling or self-levelling) before removing the old struts.
• Clean the threads before adjusting, and start with the height adjusters in the middle of their range.

After fitting:

• Do not go below ST's minimum height, measured from the wheel hub centre to the wheel arch edge: front 320 mm, rear 320 mm.
• Expect the car to settle a further 5-10 mm once it has been driven, then re-check the height.
• Check there is at least 5 mm clearance between the tyres and the suspension through the full steering and suspension travel.
• Have the headlight aim reset, along with any other height-dependent systems.
• ESP/ABS warning lights can appear after fitting. Some clear after a short drive, others need full steering lock both ways or a reset with a diagnostic tool.
• On cars with radar or camera driver assistance systems, have the calibration checked after lowering.

Upgrade Further

If you only need height adjustment, the ST X Coilovers Volkswagen Golf MK6 R 1K 09-17 has fixed damping and costs less.

If you don't need camber adjustment, the ST XA Coilovers Volkswagen Golf MK6 R 1K 09-17 offers height and rebound adjustment.

Will this fit my Volkswagen Golf MK6 R 1K?

It fits the Volkswagen Golf MK6 R 1K (2009-2017) with the 1.2 TSI, 1.2 TSI 16V, 1.4, 1.4 16V, 1.4 FSI, 1.4 TSI and more. Check the Fitment section for the body styles and exclusions, or send us your registration and we will check.

How low will my Volkswagen Golf MK6 R 1K sit?

ST quotes a drop of approx. 10-35 mm front and rear compared with standard. The exact drop varies from car to car with engine, equipment and tolerances. ST also sets a minimum: the distance from the wheel hub centre to the wheel arch edge must stay above approx. 320 mm at the front and 320 mm at the rear.

Can I adjust the damping?

Yes. The rebound adjuster has 16 clicks and the kit arrives on ST's base setting for this car. Turn towards firm for tighter body control or towards soft for a more comfortable ride.

Will the ST XTA make my Volkswagen Golf MK6 R 1K ride harshly?

The XTA is the sportiest ST kit, with linear race springs, so it is noticeably firmer than standard. The 16-click rebound adjuster lets you take some of the edge off for road use, but it is aimed at fast road and track day cars.

Do I need an alignment after fitting?

Yes. Changing the ride height changes camber and toe, so a full four-wheel alignment is needed once the car is at its final height, and again after any later change. With the XTA you can also set front camber on the top mounts.

My car has adaptive dampers. Will this kit fit?

Only with the correct KW cancellation kit, which switches off the electronic damper control so no warning lights appear. The kit number is in the Fitment section. Some versions are not suitable for adaptive dampers at all, so contact us if you are unsure.

Is it road legal in the UK?

Yes. It is designed for road use and comes with a German parts certificate. Keep the ride height within ST's approved range and tell your insurer about the modification.

What is the difference between ST and KW coilovers?

ST is part of the KW group and its coilovers are made in Germany using KW engineering. ST uses galvanised steel strut housings and offers fewer adjustment options than KW's stainless steel Variant range, which keeps the price lower.

Is it covered by a warranty?

Yes, ST covers it against defects in materials and workmanship. If a part ever needs replacing, contact us with your vehicle details and order number.