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Volkswagen Golf R32

Best driver in golf's bag

It's no coincidence that Volkswagen has chosen this week to launch its ultimate version of the Golf. Why should arch rival Ford get all the attention with its hot Focus? With a 3.2-litre V6, the R32 has the potential to take on the RS, but will it have the dynamics to match? After all, driving enjoyment has never been one of this latest Golf's strongest attributes.

By Gavin Ward

August 2002

It's no coincidence that Volkswagen has chosen this week to launch its ultimate version of the Golf. Why should arch rival Ford get all the attention with its hot Focus? With a 3.2-litre V6, the R32 has the potential to take on the RS, but will it have the dynamics to match? After all, driving enjoyment has never been one of this latest Golf's strongest attributes.

Having got behind the wheel, Auto Express can vouch the car's certainly no slouch. But the firm knew the R32 had to be good as it's going up against some of the best performance cars on the road. Due to arrive here in October, the ΂£22,340 Golf won't only face the Focus, but is also dangerously close in price to Subaru's WRX and even the BMW 325i Compact. Shoehorning the Phaeton's 3.2-litre unit under the bonnet was certainly a step in the right direction. With 241bhp, the R32 is the quickest and most powerful production Golf ever.

Visually it's aggressive, too. A ground-hugging bodykit is standard, complete with lower side sills, a small roof spoiler and a large front bumper incorporating three big ventilation grilles to aid engine cooling. At the rear, the bumper drops down to surround the large twin chrome-plated exhaust pipes. And if there was still any doubt of the car's intentions, there's unique 18-inch multi-spoke alloys, blue-tinted glass and plenty of R32 badging to spell it out. That special exhaust doesn't just look the business - it produces a fantastic bark when the throttle is pressed.

The 20mm lower suspension works well, too, meaning little body roll in corners. The steering is much improved and is now only two-and-a-quarter turns lock-to-lock for that direct feel, while the 4Motion all-wheel drive also makes for secure cornering. Where the Golf really scores over the Focus, though, is with its low-speed driving ability. When you haven't got a test track or deserted country lane at your disposal, the VW's big engine makes cruising and pottering around easy. The R32 is happy to pull away in sixth at only 1,000rpm, thanks in part to a peak torque figure of 320Nm at just 2,800rpm. But turn up the wick and it'll scream up to 6,750rpm with a total lack of vibration and harshness.

The R32 is a very complete car and far more enjoyable to drive than any previous Golf. However, at 1,477kg it's still a touch heavy. If 100kg or so could have been lost, it would be a better car and very different to its GTI, V5 and V6 4Motion brothers. Nevertheless, buyers are sure to be tempted by the badge as much as the performance promise.

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FIRST OPINION

    The R32 is nearly as quick as an Impreza or Focus RS, with fine roadholding, a smooth, powerful V6 and firm chassis set-up. But the VW is a subtler proposition than those raw sportsters. Despite its aggressive looks and race car-style interior, the Golf's build and refinement mark it out as an alternative to the likes of BMW and Audi, not Subaru and Ford.
 

AT A GLANCE

    R32 on sale in October, priced £22,340. Only 500 to be sold here
    Powered by 241bhp 3.2-litre V6
    Sprints from 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds; top speed of 153mph
     
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