The R32 Still Is The Best Volkswagen Golf Ever Made
Words Andrea Balti / Photos Volkswagen Group
Since its very first generation, the Volkswagen Golf has made clear that in the body of a hatchback designed for the practicality of millions of families, there was also room for some healthy fun. This is how in 1976 the three notorious GTI letters gave the Golf a completely different meaning, maintained over the years, one generation after the other and incredibly managing not to distort the true essence of a model with outstanding performance qualities, yet capable to blend into the urban boredom among a thousand other city cars.
With the arrival of the fifth generation and following an excellent debut of an even more performing variant compared to the acclaimed GTI, the R32 not only overturns the concept introduced with the fourth series, but manages to transform an exciting sports car into a small supercar. Sounds weird right? After all, who wouldn’t roll the eyes in front of a similar word next to the VW brand, but just open the bonnet and you can’t remain impassive in front of the 3.2-liter V6 of the Golf V R32. An unusual engine for this segment, nevertheless capable of transforming the Golf on the road skills and transmitting driving sensations unleashed by the four-wheel drive, 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox (or even manual) and an approach to speed proportional to the increase of its metallic howl launched into the ether by the two pipes at the back.
Overall power is 250 (+40 compared to the GTI of the time) but simple numbers don’t really do justice to the behavioral surplus of the R32: 6.2 seconds on 0-100 kph and 250 per hour top speed. The R32 is one of those – very rare – cars that redefine the concept of driving fast. With an engine like this and to get the maximum in terms of pure speed it is logical that you have to keep the rev counter close to the red line and then yes, it will be pure pleasure. Aesthetically, in addition to dedicated rims and the aforementioned double exhaust located in the middle, we find a chrome profile around the front grille and very few other indications that under the bonnet there is a purebred sports car engine and no longer that of a humble city car. To think that you can take home one today for around €18,000 makes it without a doubt one of the most interesting instant classics worthy of ending up in the garage of any self respecting enthusiast. The only condition? Make that V6 scream, you won’t regret that.