R32North Posted September 29, 2005 Report Share Posted September 29, 2005 Source: Autocar "There's no stopping the VW Group. It has set new standards in the supercar class with the Bugatti Veyron, driven in issue 876, and now it's doing the same in the hot hatch market, raising the pace to once unimaginable levels. Heavy hitters in the shape of the firm's own Golf GTI and Vauxhall's Astra VXR had seemingly pushed previously mild-mannered family cars to the limit. But now, the most potent of them all has arrived - the Golf R32. With the benefit of four-wheel drive, the new range-topper has a V6 engine and serious performance courtesy of its 247bhp. Yet can it match the thrills of its front-drive GTI stablemate? While the previous-generation Golf R32 wore a muscular bodykit, its successor is less garish. A silver grille finish, unique 18-inch alloys and central exhausts set it apart from the GTI. However, designers have gone for a largely understated look. Climb inside and the R32's sporting intentions are plain to see. Race-inspired, yet immensely supportive bucket seats are standard fit, along with plenty of aluminium trim and unique dials. Turn the key and a faint rumble filters into the cabin, sounding more menacing than any Volkswagen V6 before it. The new model offers 9bhp more than the previous-generation R32, and is available with a choice of conventional six-speed manual or hi-tech DSG sequential gearboxes. Our model was fitted with a manual transmission, which takes the edge off the straight-line performance. Even so, we were still blown away by the R32's pace. The 6.5-second 0-62mph time is impressive enough, but real-world in-gear acceleration is immense thanks to the V6's plentiful low-down torque and perfectly selected gear ratios. VW claims a limited top speed of 155mph, yet on a test track we managed to record a supercar-slaying maximum of 168mph. But getting a V6 hatch to perform in a straight line is nothing new. Where the R32 is really set apart is on a twisty road. The outgoing car felt numb and uninvolving; this is sharp and agile. The direct steering loses none of the GTI's feedback or feel, and the 4MOTION all-wheel drive keeps the Golf planted in fast corners. Lift-off mid-bend and the rear will still step out of line, but it is easy to control and rarely calls for the ESP stability system to save the day. What's more, there's a superb compromise between refinement and involvement. The R32 is stiffly sprung but the ride is rarely uncomfortable, while the engine noise is always audible yet never intrusive. The car's solid feel encourages you to make the most of the motor's impressive power output. At £23,745, the flagship three-door Golf costs £3,250 more than its GTI stablemate, with the five-door seen here priced at £24,245. R32 buyers are unlikely to want for much in terms of standard equipment, with climate control, bi-xenon headlamps and a 10-speaker sound system all fitted as standard. On paper, the R32 might seem over- priced. However, in reality the newcomer provides exactly the kind of thrills that could entertain drivers of coupés from the class above" Hmmm, they seem to like it! As they state, the looks aren't that of the old model but the drive is much better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woppum Posted September 29, 2005 Report Share Posted September 29, 2005 Where was this taken from? This isnt the Autocar article, is it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s4dreamer Posted September 30, 2005 Report Share Posted September 30, 2005 It was from AutoExpress. [ QUOTE ] But getting a V6 hatch to perform in a straight line is nothing new. Where the R32 is really set apart is on a twisty road. The outgoing car felt numb and uninvolving; this is sharp and agile. [/ QUOTE ] Hmm, doesn't feel numb an uninvolving to me. Quite the opposite in fact. Maybe he's driven too many BMW's! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted September 30, 2005 Report Share Posted September 30, 2005 Oh FFS - have we got people getting defensive about Mk4 R32's now... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s4dreamer Posted September 30, 2005 Report Share Posted September 30, 2005 Nope, not defensive - just disagreeing with the reviewer on that particular point. Simple as dat! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R32North Posted September 30, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 30, 2005 Opps, me stupid, yes it Auto Express not Autocar!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted October 1, 2005 Report Share Posted October 1, 2005 [ QUOTE ] It was from AutoExpress. [ QUOTE ] But getting a V6 hatch to perform in a straight line is nothing new. Where the R32 is really set apart is on a twisty road. The outgoing car felt numb and uninvolving; this is sharp and agile. [/ QUOTE ] Hmm, doesn't feel numb an uninvolving to me. Quite the opposite in fact. Maybe he's driven too many BMW's! [/ QUOTE ] I agree with S4dreamer - if mine were any sharper to drive, I'd cut myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riz Posted October 1, 2005 Report Share Posted October 1, 2005 I also agree that the MK4 R32 was a very good handling car considering its mass etc. Ive always intended to stip a R32 down oneday to approx 1200kgs with cup tyres like the VW Racing versions. I`m sure shedding approx 300-400kgs of weight would do wonders for performance and mpg! I may never get around to ever doing this but give it a few years and i might buy the original MK4 R32 and none of these latest overfilled, over-hyped money making cars which most manufacturers seem to do. The MK4 R32 was a testing ground for VW, and they didnt expect it to be asgood as it ended up to be.... here in the UK demand outstripped supply and VW had to work overtime to meet the numbers required. VW are now just making money out of it, rather that putting as much effort into the MK5 as they did with the MK4 R32. Again i feel its a missed chance by VW, BUT for newcomers the MK5 R32 would be smashing. For previous owners it might be wise to hold onto your R32`s as it was the First R32 and still has the potential if not already to become a cult classic in years to come. Happy motoring folks. Riz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted October 1, 2005 Report Share Posted October 1, 2005 [ QUOTE ] if mine were any sharper to drive, I'd cut myself. [/ QUOTE ] Ouch... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v6tas Posted October 1, 2005 Report Share Posted October 1, 2005 Having just read the said article i see from this thread that most has been said but i have to strongly disagree with the "The outgoing car felt numb and uninvolving" ? I truly believe that he cant have ever driven the MK4 R32, it is anything but !. He states that VW have gone for an understated look which is very true but it cant have escaped VW's notice how well the MK4 went down and reading between the lines they arnt going to lavish the design and engine muscle on just "another" of the MK5 stable. Leading me, at least, to believe the R36 really will be the "Coupe de grace" in the very near future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robin09 Posted October 1, 2005 Report Share Posted October 1, 2005 I agree that they have certainly left room for another version above the 32, but i reckon it will be like the mk4, where they will bring it in towards the end of the mk5 body's production life. Otherwise we would surely have heard some leaked info on the net already, or seen pics of it in the arizona desert or sumink. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markallain Posted October 1, 2005 Report Share Posted October 1, 2005 Think we'll see an anniversary GTI before the R36 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soulboy Posted October 3, 2005 Report Share Posted October 3, 2005 [quote The outgoing car felt numb and uninvolving; this is sharp and agile. [/ QUOTE ] Strange that. I have got an Auto Express for the Mk4 R32 saying how fantastic it handles. Dickheads! Ignore them and wait for Evo and the like to get hold of one. I would sooner read Bella than Auto Express. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now