Volkswagen Golf R32 2004 Review

The R32 is the fastest and most powerful Golf ever, and with just 200 (each specially numbered) coming to Australia, it is also very exclusive. That 120 have already found homes since the car's release in February is no surprise -- it's hard to find anything to not like about the tough-looking R32, except, perhaps, the hefty $63,000 price tag.

Available in three colours -- black, silver and blue only -- the R32 communicates its sporting potential the moment you lay eyes on it. Slammed 20mm closer to the ground, and with a muscular body kit, 18in alloys and twin exhausts, it certainly looks the goods.

The racing theme is carried over inside, with figure hugging, leather-clad Konig sports seats, thick-rimmed leather-covered sports steering wheel, and brushed aluminium finishes for the pedal clusters, door sill trim, console, gear knob, and door handles. There's also a modified dash, six CD player with 8-speakers, cruise control, electric windows, climate control, and special R badging just about everywhere.

All of this creates a much anticipated driving experience, and happily, the mechanical package delivers on the promise.

The R32 goes hard -- real hard -- thanks to its 3.2lt, 24-valve V6, which is a variation of VW's 2.8lt narrow-angle VR6 powerplant. Along with added capacity, improved intake manifold flow, newly developed heads and a compression ratio of 11.25:1 raise the power to 177kW and torque to 320Nm. Fuel consumption, according to VW, is 11.6l/km combined cycle.

With the R32's close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox there's a truckload of grunt ready and willing at all times, and while it's unnecessary to change down gear often, it's something you'll want to do; such is the joy of using the delightful short-throw shifter. And just to encourage you further, the special, twin-pipe exhaust system has been tuned to stimulate your ears. At start-up, and when the engine is worked hard, it does just that, though there is an annoying hum when cruising, which we suspect may grate after a while.

Sitting on big those big, 18in OZ Racing wheels and equipped with sports-tuned suspension, the ground-hugging chassis is more than capable of handling the V6's extra grunt.

The R32 features VW's 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with Haldex coupling in the rear diff, which automatically distributes drive between the axles depending on grip levels. There's also Electronic Diff Lock, Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution, Anti-Slip Regulation, which are all integrated into the switchable Electronic Stability Program.

Pushed hard on winding country roads, the R32 displays excellent road manners, with precise steering and superb road holding. Turn-in is excellent, without a hint of understeer, even on the tightest corners, and the power steering, which seemed a touch light at slow speeds, firms up nicely. Though the suspension is low and tight, and the tyres 40-series low profiles, the Golf is surprisingly compliant over normal roads -- only deep potholes cause the car any concern.

Throttle and brake pedals are perfectly positioned for easy heel and toeing, though at first the throttle seems a little too sensitive. This initially leads to over-revving on down-changes, but this would be easily be rectified with a little practice.

Reassuringly, big 334mm brakes on the front and 256mm on the rear ensure the R32 stops as well as it goes.

Overall, the R32 is an impressive bit of kit - an exhilarating car that will put a smile on your face - guaranteed - and leave you longing for the next drive.