Gojirra99

Text & Photos courtesy Volkswagen AG
08-09-2005


250 bhp, 250 km/h with 4-wheel drive

It was the most powerful Golf ever. The Golf R32 powered by a 177 kW (241 bhp) engine was first launched in August 2002. Not only was it one of the hottest cars on the road, it also sold like hot cakes: three times as many R32's were sold than originally planned. These are excellent prospects for its successor.

Now comes a new R32 based on the Golf V generation. This time it packs 184 kW (250 bhp) under the bonnet; the permanent 4MOTION four-wheel drive again promises excellent roadholding. The new model will see its world premiere at the 59th Frankfurt Motor Show (15 to 25 September). Presales in Germany start on 19 August. Market launch will be at the end of September. Prices for the new Golf R32 start at €32,200.

From the outside, the best Golf ever is not only recognisable by the R32 logo. Similar to its predecessor, the new top Golf has a design and equipment all of its own. The Golf R32 has a top speed of 250 km/h and comes either with a 6-speed manual gearbox or the optional dual clutch gearbox (DSG). Equipped with the DSG the "R32" is even faster: 6.2 instead 6.5 seconds from 0-100 km/h. Despite all this, the model is unusually easy to handle.

From the front, the new R32 generation is immediately recognisable by its unique aluminium-effect shield-shaped radiator grille. At the top of the grille are double aluminium cross struts. Under the number plate there is another central air scoop for the powerful 3.2-litre V6 engine. Two more large openings on each side of the shield-shaped radiator grille are intended for fresh air supply. As opposed to all other Golfs, there are air ducts at the bottom and on either side of the fully painted front bumper. The lines of the air duct continue into the side skirt all the way along to the rear bumper.

The rear of the Golf R32 is also designed as a fully painted bumper. Only the middle section in the shape of a diffuser is in black. The two round tailpipes made of polished stainless steel are placed centrally next to each other and are integrated prominently in the rear bumper. A glance at the outline of the Golf R32 shows the 18-inch light-alloy wheels (type "Zolder“). They are fitted with 20 spokes and continue the design theme of the first R32 wheel. The spokes still allow glimpses of what lies behind them: brake calipers painted blue. They come with 345 mm (diameter) discs at the front and 310 mm at the rear.

The 225/40 tyres bear the Y-pattern tread for high-speed tyres up to 300 km/h. A large-size rear spoiler makes sure that the rear wheels stay firmly on the road. The fact that the wheel-tyre combination sits snugly in the wheel housings is partly due to the 18-inch wheel size but also to the specially tuned sports running gear that is lower by 20 millimetres.

The sporty concept of the Golf R32 is a theme that permeates the entire vehicle. Take the interior, for example. There are distinctive instruments, sports seats, pedals in aluminium look and special applications that emphasise the sporty nature of the Golf. The sports steering wheel, with perforated leather along the grip area, and the R32 gear shift **** lie firmly in the hand.

As opposed to the more purist style of the Golf GTI, the R32 top model boasts a dazzling array of standard equipment at no extra price, such as automatic air conditioning (Climatronic), the RCD 300 audio system with ten loudspeakers, anti-theft alarm system plus, multifunction display, automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror, rain sensor, tyre pressure monitor and the complete safety programme comprising six airbags, ESP and brake assistant. The standard bi-xenon headlights light up the night like day.

The Golf range: The Golf tops the new registration statistics in Europe. Not only that: no other car in this segment offers so many different engines. With the introduction of the Golf R32 the model range now stretches from 55 kW (75 bhp) to 184 kW (250 bhp). Including the R32-V6, there are ten engines on offer – six petrol and four diesel. This year two more interesting engines will be added to the Golf range. The Golf remains an exciting car to watch.

More pics HERE

Koma

iTrader: (3)

Not liking the body so far but I do love the new specs!

flipside909

I hate to admit it but the design is really growing on me. Imagine a sedan version...Jetta R32?

Richie

I heard they where going to put a 3.6 liter engine in it. (R36)

GFerg

Ummmm.......No.

j/p.

It would be nice, but not my cup of tea. Keep it exclusive to the Golf.

GFerg

I honestly like the way the new Golf looks. Even the GTI. Can't wait to see it in the states.

Cool looking dual exhaust coming out of the center of the bumper, and nicely done up front bumper. Good job V-dub.

Variance

I'd take a MKV GTI over a MKIV GTI but I'd take a MKIV R32 over a MKV R32 based on looks.

foofighter

VW does plan on doing an R jetta...the Jetta is a big seller for them so it's only natural that they would make a high performance version of this car.

STIG

They are pricy. If the VW priced those right, I am sure they will sell a lot of them. But starting price is 32K pounds? and 0 to 60 in 6.2 sec? no thanks! i will get an EVO instead.

audi2nr

iTrader: (1)

if i were to get anything car in the volkswagen group it would have to be a 3.2 TT dsg, those are so much fun to drive, pretty quick too. the a3's with the dsg are pretty fun too but no quattro till next spring

LexFather

The front is just too much for me. The Golf just keeps getting bigger and heavier, etc, they should just rename it. Reminds me of what happened to the Maxima.

I have no idea why Audi and VW slapped the same grills on the cars.

It seems to be quite a performer looking at specs.

adidosc

i never thought this before about the golf, but the next gen golf shown REALLY looks like the current gen civic si, while the si moves in to it's next generation (which really kicks some butt if you ask me, which you didn't... but i'm telling you anyway. the r32 is an awesome car though, the awd + 6 speed is an awesome combination.