2007 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

The hot-hatch marked the end of the British sports car industry. Early examples such as the Golf GTI proved to be just as fast, just as fun and far more practical than their two-seater counterparts. The GTI was an instant hit with petrolheads looking to balance sports car performance with everyday practicality and reliability.

Fast forward to the early 90’s and things at Volkswagen had snowballed. Following the success of the MKi & ii, the engineers had cooked up a whole new engine concept for the MKiii Golf, the VR6. A naturally aspirated 2.8 litre 12v engine was the first 6-cylinder to be fitted to a Golf. Despite poor reviews about the sluggish performance, journalists could at least agree that it sounded awesome. It would be the start of great things to come.

By the time the MKiv R32 stormed onto the scene, a larger and more powerful 3.2 litre 24v VR6 would provide the blueprint for what followed. The R32 was no comfortable cruiseliner like its MKiii predecessor, this 237bhp thug meant business. The introduction of a Haldex all-wheel-drive system helped to improve handling and put down the extra power, becoming a cult classic among young petrolheads.

The first R32 would be a tough act to follow, but Volkswagen possesses the Midas touch when it comes to producing cars that perfectly tap into the zeitgeist of our collective imaginations. Classic Beetles and Campervans aside, the Golf brand has endured. Its enthusiasts cultivating a formidable and prestigious culture, even pioneering magazine publications dedicated to both modified creations and concours restorations.

It would be doing Volkswagen a disservice to assume the R32 is just a souped up GTI. That would be too easy. The 2.0litre turbocharged item in the GTI has been left on the shelf. A revised 3.2 litre VR6 lump provides a powerful but usable 247bhp and 320N⋅m of torque to propel the silver hatchback down the road, capable of a top speed of 155mph and a 0-60mph in 6.3 seconds.

Sporting bigger brakes and uprated suspension with a fast and intuitive 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) lifted straight from the first generation Audi TT, it was understandably a big hit in the US where drivers are more inclined to forgo the 6-speed manual.

Styling is understated, in true Volkswagen fashion. Like the MKiv R32 that came before, there was little to elevate this new R32 from the GTI model of the same generation. An aluminium front grill, colour-coded side skirts, 18” alloy wheels and twin exit exhaust pipes protrude from a subtly reworked rear bumper. You could be excused for overlooking the R32 on the street, but to those in the know it is widely regarded as a thoroughbred Greyhound masquerading as a faithful Labrador.

End of the Six-Cylinder:

Whilst the R32 moniker would mark the last Golf to house a 6-cylinder engine, this Reflex Silver Golf remains an incredibly well appointed example with a build sheet totalling 5-pages long. It goes without saying that the first owner of this R32 ensured that it would want for nothing and lack no creature comforts whatsoever.

The Importance of Imports:

Imported from Japan in July 2023, the R32 was brought to us upon purchase for a full inspection. The R32 was in great shape and as often seen, these imports from kinder climates have suffered none of the age related corrosion. After careful inspection of the structure all that was required was a thorough underside wash before the application of a clear cavity wax protection ensuring this R32 can be enjoyed for generations to come without concerns around corrosion.

All four tyres were replaced with Michelin Pilot Sport 5’s and the rear brake discs and pads were replaced to ensure optimum braking performance. A faulty Lambda sensor replacement and the refitting of some missing sound deadening were all that the R32 required for the car to be enjoyed with no nasty surprises.

The R32 has served as a spirited daily driver for our friend Paul, who alongside this R32 also owns an Aston Martin and BMW 335i. With space limited in central London, Paul has decided to find a new home for this iconic yet understated performance hatchback.

As part of the sales preparation, all four alloy wheels will be refurbished. An Oil and Safety Inspection will be carried out and a year's MOT will be added to the car.

VR6, What?

The key difference between a V6 and a VR6 engine lies in their cylinder bank arrangement. A V6 engine has two rows of three cylinders set at a 60 or 90-degree angle. Volkswagen’s VR6 has only a 15 degree angle between cylinder banks, allowing them to share a single cylinder head. This makes the VR6 more compact and lighter than a traditional V6.

Full Specification:

Date of Production: 01/07/2007

Engine: 3189cc

Previous UK Owners: 1

Mileage: 56,000 miles

Full Service History

DSG 6 Speed Automatic

Exterior Colour: Reflex Silver

Black 'Vienna' Leather

Leather Tip-Tronic Steering Wheel

18" Alloy Wheels

Air-Conditioning

Electric Door Mirrors

Colour Coded Bumpers

Front & Rear Electric Windows

Hill Start Assist

Michelin Pilot Sport 6 Tyres

Auto-Dip Rear view Mirror

VW Bottle Opener

Side Turn Signals White

Centre Rear Armrest

Headrests Mechanically Adjustable

Headlight Washer System

Cruise Control System

Brake Pad Wear Sensors