Volkswagen Golf
Car makers have thrown away the hot hatch rule book. Volkswagen, Ford and Vauxhall have all produced high-performance family models offering greater pace than any of their predecessors, but the power struggle isn't over yet. VW has raised the stakes once again with its V6-powered flagship Golf R32.
This is the fastest Golf VW has ever produced. Combined with a DSG transmission, the smooth V6 delivers fantastic pace, but it's no more exciting than its GTI sibling. If you want ultimate performance, then the R32 won't disappoint, but without a classic badge, it isn't our favourite Golf - it can't beat the GTI for fun and value.
Car makers have thrown away the hot hatch rule book. Volkswagen, Ford and Vauxhall have all produced high-performance family models offering greater pace than any of their predecessors, but the power struggle isn't over yet. VW has raised the stakes once again with its V6-powered flagship Golf R32.
Back in issue 877, we were first to drive the all-new superhatch in left-hand-drive form, and now we're at the front of the queue to take the wheel of the UK version on British soil.
Building on the success of the latest GTI, the 3.2-litre V6 model has a lot to live up to. The newcomer gets multi-spoke alloys, a bold chrome grille and twin exhausts to set it apart from the rest of the range. It's still fairly understated, but the range-topper has a muscular appearance.
However, as soon as you turn the key, it's clear that this Golf has got a growl to match its sharp looks. While the V6 powerplant hums smoothly, a gruff bark from the exhaust system says this VW means business.
Our test car came with the firm's superb six-speed DSG sequential manual transmission, which only adds to its performance credentials. VW quotes a 0-60mph time of 6.2 seconds, and the R32 feels as fast as that figure suggests. From a standstill in slippery conditions, the benefits of the 4MOTION all-wheel-drive configuration are obvious. The sure-footed Golf rarely struggles for traction, racing through its six ratios with ease.
While it's clear there's a heavier engine under the bonnet, the R32 retains the lively handling of the front-wheel-drive model when cornering. The steering is perfectly weighted, and the flat-bottomed steering wheel, which is borrowed from the GTI, is a joy to use.
Despite its sporty nature, the R32's other strength is its cruising comfort. The ride is firm, but the quality only deteriorates on a broken motorway surface. With an ergonomically sound and well built cabin, this Golf is a good choice for high-mileage drivers. And it offers plenty in the way of kit, as it's fitted with xenon headlamps, digital climate control and 18-inch alloys, while the DSG gearbox adds £1,330 to the three-door's £23,745 price, taking it up to £25,075.
We were blown away by the fastest ever Golf on high-speed European roads, but on the UK's twisting turns the R32 makes less sense. For British drivers, the benefits of the R32 over its £19,995 GTI stablemate are unlikely to be worth the price premium.
