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Autocar Review


AGK512
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Perhaps all those slating the new R32 before it is even out will sit back and take stock now.............

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Nick it may drive fantastically, but I, and a lot of other people, can't stand the look of the thing.

You personally will not be knocked for buying one - it's your call what you drive. But you'll still find a lot of people simply don't like the car.

There are a lot of people on TsN who don't like the Mk4 R32 - it doesn't stop them criticising it.

Don't be defensive - it's just a lump of metal with wheels... 169144-ok.gif

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I agree totally but I think people should reserve judgement until they have seen it in the flesh. I remember when the new 5 series came out.....I hated it. Now my Dad has a 535D Sport and the shape has grown on me to the point where I now prefer it to the old one, which I wouldn't have though was possible!

I was a new Golf hater but after seeing many around it too has grown on me. Might not be the prettiest car but who else offers a car which will give what the new R32 offers......

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Perhaps all those slating the new R32 before it is even out will sit back and take stock now.............

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Hi,

It's not that I hate the car - not at all.

I am just a little dissapointed with it. I just expected more in the looks department - well its the front thats the problem. Then theres the rear and sides too....but thats a personal thing I guess wink.gif

When I first saw the Mk4 R I knew I just had to have one. This one doesn't do it for me this time. I have owned 5 golf's in row but I think this maybe my last for a while unless they do something with it.

Perhaps it is due to the success of the old R32 that leaves it being such a tall order for some people like me. Put it this way, if the MK4 R never existed I would have probably gone for it anyway..

beerchug.gif

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Well autocar didn't like the Mk4 R32. I seem to remember them saying dont bother, just get a 320! So maybe the new one is a better drive?!

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'R32 (Mk IV) is excellent but all-new GTI eclipses it. No longer on sale' - Autocar Road Test Results (13.09.05)

I find that many 'top' car magazines often first praise, then slate 4 months down the road only to revert back to their original opinion - they need to make up their fecking minds. ROLLEY~14.GIF

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Theres no doubt the original R32 was a great car and I think the new one will be too.

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Mechanically, you're probably right, but my gripes are two fold.

a) The looks leave a lot to be desired, ie silver grill, plain naff!!!

b) Cost, looks good at 1st glance but add in some tasty options and you're into a whole other car territory.

For me I'd want different alloys, lower stance and that grill painted the colour of the car. Plus the exhaust is very much Clio like, which is not slaging of the Clio which is a great wee car, but to copy that positioning of the pipes wasn't wise IMO.

However, these things can be corrected with a few £££s and I'm sure once a few people have made some minor adjustments it will start to fall in favour with those, me included, who at this time are not impressed.

169144-ok.gif

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Anyone notice the Autocar mistakes? They talk of a "4R" on the steering wheel. Err, no thats the 'R' logo and has nothing to do with a 4. Numbnuts. And that brings into question their talk of the Haldex apportioning 100% power to rear wheels when needed. Is that true? Definitely not if its little changed from the one on the MKIV. And the car weighs 64kg more than the original!!! Thats like carrying a passenger with you at all times (for all the MKIV owners) and you know how that can change the performance of the engine and the brakes. Its the little things though that make me dislike it. Lost the R32 logo on the dials. And that 'Foliatec' finish to the aluminium trim is awful.

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I thought the Autocar review seemed fair - I ordered a mini cooper s based on their report, and although technically speaking there were a few flaws ulitimately they gave a fair overview considering the model.

I thought that they were harsh with the Mark 1V R32 - and I thought for that very reason a poorish outcome was on the cards for the mark V.

The main points are: - The handling does not seem to be as bad as predicted by many on this site, and that the engine is going to be a real stonker.

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I tend to agree with most of what Autocar say although they have been known to change their mind - most recently they said the VXR beat the Golf GTI only to change their minds the following week.

I half expected Autocar to say the extra weight blunted the GTI experience, but they certainly seem to like it based on a first drive (presumably in Germany).

I'm still trying to decide - GTI or R32.....? I like the looks of both, unlike some!

In the meantime, I am testing a GTI DSG on Saturday to see if I prefer it over the manual box.

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The main points are: - The handling does not seem to be as bad as predicted by many on this site, and that the engine is going to be a real stonker.

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1) Engine is the same.

2) Handling, I think this will be the only advance the MkII R32 will make. I believe the chassis is a gem having driven but a MkV GTi for a good few days & also a bog standard 1.4, I felt it very nimble down the lanes. It's the looks. Even beer gogles don't help.

blush.gif

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