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Tooted at, spoken to and even (once) stopped: He who not only hides the Golf R32 (the name plays on the bulky 3.2 litre cubic capacity) in the garage as a collectors item can’t complain of a lack of attention. Quite apart from those excited GTI-Freaks, who want to provoke a quarter mile competition between 4-cylinder- and 6-cylinder-powerhouse, for which you need not only a cool head in direct contact with the strongest Golf yet.
The most elite version of the Golf 5 offers 14 HP more than its predecessor. It is elite not only because of its 250 HP that has most confidently (already with almost too much ease) hit the road thanks to 4Motion four-wheel drive, but also because upto today in a small country like Austria just 100 models have been bought.
The DSG double clutch gearbox developed by VW is fantastic when used by hand (either via the paddles on the steering wheel or via the gear shift easy switch): the next gear is engaged without a jolt and unbelievably quickly (from idle speed from the first gear upwards). However, in the sense of the intended understatement, it would do well to have a comfort-mode, as when accelerating the electronics switch down loudly, roaring rather fervently, (and above all provocatively).
With an introductory price of over 40,000 Euros (in Austria), you would expect classy details such as electronic seat adjustment to be included, but this costs extra. Otherwise, amongst other things the following come as standard: alarm system, cooled glove compartment, CD-Radio, rain sensor, sports chassis, sporty front seats, 18 inch aluminium wheels.
In the test vehicle the following come as extra: a (somewhat slow) navigation system for 2078 Euros, CD-changer (347 Euros), parking aid (504 Euros) and rear side airbags (330 Euros); prices in Austria.
Incidentally, without the DSG-gearbox the R32 (3-door) costs from 38,520 Euros.
Open question: after a pay rise, can you really go unpunished to a GTI-rally with an R32 as evel stepbrother?
The VW Golf R32 with DSG (and 4motion four-wheel drive) in motion
Engine/Powertrain * * * * *
We liked: Not a roughy, that jolts the structure when the engine is revved, but instead cultivated rocket propulsion with 6 kg/HP.
We didn't like: With the 6-cylinder Golf plus you lose a little of the temperament.
Comfort * * * * *
We liked: The interior fits like a made-to-measure glove, very solid handling, super leg room even in the rear, in the back separate air outlets and spot lights – in case someone wants to read during the journey . . .
Driving Characteristics * * * * *
We liked: superb sports steering wheel, direct steering, excellent bodywork with 4-wheel bonus on bends.
We didn't like: DSG-gearbox in automatic mode is slightly too active. Steering transmission could be shorter.
Space/Variability * * * *
We liked: despite all technical sophistications, the R32 is a real Golf. Ergo: Ample space for adults in the back, large storage in the doors etc.
We didn't like: boot space because of 4WD 75 l smaller than normal.
Performance * * * *
Top speed: 250 km/h. Acceleration: from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. Fuel consumption during test drive: 11.6 liter on 100 km. Price (VW Golf R32 with DSG transmission, five door): 40.516 Euros (in Austria, incl. taxes); test car with extras: EUR 47,111 (in Austria)
Data from the manufacturer
Engine
6 cylinder in V, 15 degrees, 3189 cc, 184 kW/250 HP at 6300/min, 320 Nm at 2500/min, four valves per cylinder, two overhead camshafts (DOHC), light metal cylinder heads, 7-panel supported crankshaft.
Transmission
4WD (4motion) with Haldex clutch, 6 speed DSG transmission (automatic).
Chassis and Body
Self-supporting body; front Mc-Pherson struts und wish bone; rear four part steering axle (trailing link- and 2 transverse control arms plus steering link), front and back sway bar, coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers.
Tyres, Brakes and Steering
4-wheel-disc brakes, ABS and ESP; handbrake on the back wheels; power-assisted rack and pinion steering, fuel tank 60 litres, tyres 225/40 R 18, rims 7.5 J.
Dimensions and weight
Wheel base 2580 mm, length 4245 mm, width 1760 mm, height 1465 mm, 1550 kg 10.9 metres turning circle.
Fuel Comsumption
per 100 km (according to maufacturer): urban 13.1, extra-urban 7.7, mixed 9.7 litres. 95 Octane.
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