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Volkswagen Golf R32 RHD

Material Growl

A Volkswagen Golf fitted with 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels and a bodykit usually conjures up images of some horrific creation by a spotty 17-year-old with too much cash. Thankfully, standing next to the first right-hand-drive version of VW's new R32, it's obvious this car has a somewhat more tasteful finish.

By Gavin Ward

December 2002

A Volkswagen Golf fitted with 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels and a bodykit usually conjures up images of some horrific creation by a spotty 17-year-old with too much cash. Thankfully, standing next to the first right-hand-drive version of VW's new R32, it's obvious this car has a somewhat more tasteful finish.

Billed as the most extreme production Golf ever thanks to its 241bhp, 3.2-litre V6, the R32 is without doubt the hottest version of the car to date. We tried a left-hand-drive variant in Issue 717, so are well aware of its charms. But after sinking into the right-hooker's heavily sculptured bucket seats, we have to say its cabin isn't as well appointed as in the original German cars.

A call to VW confirmed that different materials have been used to trim parts of the interior on UK cars. It's still luxurious by normal standards, but buyers this side of the Channel have definitely been shortchanged. Also, the new passenger seat hits the roof when you lift it to get into the back - not what you would expect from a production car.

But these points soon pale into insignificance, with the throaty engine providing real driving pleasure and the steering feeling precise. At 1,477kg the R32 is no lightweight and a 153mph top speed is irrelevant on UK roads, but the six-speed box and four-wheel-drive set-up make for effortless fast cross-country travel.

And there's more good news. Not only will this ΂£22,340 car be joined by a five-door in the spring, but later models may also get the paddleshift gearbox which is destined for the Audi TT.

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FIRST OPINION

    We're disappointed by the change of trim on RHD cars, but the R32's engine note makes up for this. A limited run of 1,700 UK models will see this Golf retain its exclusivity.
 
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