Never thought I would own one... a Golf...
Discussion
...and I’m really very impressed.
It’s a 58 plate R32 with manual gearbox.
Sadly the Z4 is going as it’s just not used much now we have a toddler, and after my wife swapped her Fiesta ST for the 335xd I’m missing having a practical hot hatch.
So my replacement is as close to a Z4 as I could get without it’s downsides (so no 1ers with no rear legroom/ boot and poor in snow )
OK I’ve bought at the top of the market and it needs some money putting into it to make it perfect, but it’s an amazing car.
A rare colour. 49k miles so feels really nice.
A decent enough spec with easy retrofit upgrades (cruise and headunit)
I kinda wish I’d known they were so good some years ago as I’d have had one sooner (probably bought one over the Fiesta ST and never bothered with the 335xd?)
The only thing I’m feeling I’m missing from the Z4 is a bit of sound generator (pipe ducting from intake to cabin, Fiesta ST had one too) to give it a better cabin noise.
The ride is sublime too. I like the way it’s chassis is coming alive a bit at normal road speeds, but then seems to gain composure as you dig more.
It feels rewarding and yet safe.
Even for EPS it’s feelsome and natural feeling with some actual life, despite being fwd.
People go on about big engines ahead of the front wheels and high polar yaw inertia but for brisk road use I really didn’t notice, but ultimately I didn’t care.
I’d test driven an M3 and M3 CS and despite its rack being quicker than an M3 (e46), I honestly couldn’t see why they’re so highly regarded.
It felt cheaper inside vs my z4 (bar the leather upgrade), while this Golf feels a better made/spec car.
More visually interesting. More spacious. Better sounding. More comfortable.
OK they’re nice cars but for the price vs the R32 they seemed poor value.
I’m just very impressed by it.
I’m instantly sad that VW made the newer ones have a 4 pot turbo, more so that they’ve over-wrought the styling and made them have 4 exhausts.
My first foray into a Golf will likely be my last.
Anyone else have an R32 and is deeply impressed by what it offers as a package?
It’s a 58 plate R32 with manual gearbox.
Sadly the Z4 is going as it’s just not used much now we have a toddler, and after my wife swapped her Fiesta ST for the 335xd I’m missing having a practical hot hatch.
So my replacement is as close to a Z4 as I could get without it’s downsides (so no 1ers with no rear legroom/ boot and poor in snow )
OK I’ve bought at the top of the market and it needs some money putting into it to make it perfect, but it’s an amazing car.
A rare colour. 49k miles so feels really nice.
A decent enough spec with easy retrofit upgrades (cruise and headunit)
I kinda wish I’d known they were so good some years ago as I’d have had one sooner (probably bought one over the Fiesta ST and never bothered with the 335xd?)
The only thing I’m feeling I’m missing from the Z4 is a bit of sound generator (pipe ducting from intake to cabin, Fiesta ST had one too) to give it a better cabin noise.
The ride is sublime too. I like the way it’s chassis is coming alive a bit at normal road speeds, but then seems to gain composure as you dig more.
It feels rewarding and yet safe.
Even for EPS it’s feelsome and natural feeling with some actual life, despite being fwd.
People go on about big engines ahead of the front wheels and high polar yaw inertia but for brisk road use I really didn’t notice, but ultimately I didn’t care.
I’d test driven an M3 and M3 CS and despite its rack being quicker than an M3 (e46), I honestly couldn’t see why they’re so highly regarded.
It felt cheaper inside vs my z4 (bar the leather upgrade), while this Golf feels a better made/spec car.
More visually interesting. More spacious. Better sounding. More comfortable.
OK they’re nice cars but for the price vs the R32 they seemed poor value.
I’m just very impressed by it.
I’m instantly sad that VW made the newer ones have a 4 pot turbo, more so that they’ve over-wrought the styling and made them have 4 exhausts.
My first foray into a Golf will likely be my last.
Anyone else have an R32 and is deeply impressed by what it offers as a package?
Edited by Mr Whippy on Sunday 15th April 23:04
I had an R32 and still miss it.
It settles well when you're on the move and makes a lovely noise.
I miss the blue needles on the dash and the comfy seats (standard non-Recaros).
It was odd having 6 stage heated seats and a button that you had to turn on to turn air conditioning off as Audi had the button that made sense.
Mine was on over 90k when I sold it but felt like it was on 15k. I went onto an RS3 for more of the same, just a bit more poke - but the R32 had a difference in character that I really liked. The Mk5 Golf generally felt like a really solid car and the R32 was the top of the line. The GTI is is better in the corners sure but the VR6 is just something different.
Enjoy it
It settles well when you're on the move and makes a lovely noise.
I miss the blue needles on the dash and the comfy seats (standard non-Recaros).
It was odd having 6 stage heated seats and a button that you had to turn on to turn air conditioning off as Audi had the button that made sense.
Mine was on over 90k when I sold it but felt like it was on 15k. I went onto an RS3 for more of the same, just a bit more poke - but the R32 had a difference in character that I really liked. The Mk5 Golf generally felt like a really solid car and the R32 was the top of the line. The GTI is is better in the corners sure but the VR6 is just something different.
Enjoy it
Hmmm I need to read the manual again on the air-con. I didn’t spot that haha.
Totally agree on the solidity and quality. And the seats are wonderful.
If they were leccy memory they’d be perfect.
I expected much less but have been blown away.
I also feel like this was a styling high point for the Golf too, at least in R32 form, and especially in Tornado Red... it looks like a 5yr old car, not 10yr+
An RS3 feels like a good move up/onwards for this kinda car... is it still as comfy though?
I know I’ve just bought it but I’m sad that already there will never be anything to replace it.
Totally agree on the solidity and quality. And the seats are wonderful.
If they were leccy memory they’d be perfect.
I expected much less but have been blown away.
I also feel like this was a styling high point for the Golf too, at least in R32 form, and especially in Tornado Red... it looks like a 5yr old car, not 10yr+
An RS3 feels like a good move up/onwards for this kinda car... is it still as comfy though?
I know I’ve just bought it but I’m sad that already there will never be anything to replace it.
Yeah the button is labelled A/C OFF or something. If it's on then you don't have air con running. Totally backwards to every other car I've seen.
RS3 is firmer, wheels are 19" with lower profile tyres and seats less plush, but not ridiculously so. The engine is much stronger but the noise is muted compared to the R32 (still sounds better than most hatches as a 5cyl). RS3 is DSG only though.
RS3 is firmer, wheels are 19" with lower profile tyres and seats less plush, but not ridiculously so. The engine is much stronger but the noise is muted compared to the R32 (still sounds better than most hatches as a 5cyl). RS3 is DSG only though.
With the climate control on the Golf R32 the default setting for the air con is on. They labelled the button "ECON" so you basically have to switch "ECON" on to switch off air con. It is a bit back to front and let's be honest the added economy of switching off the air con compressor is really irrelevant when you have a 3.2 V6.
Thankfully on later models they just have an "A/C" Button that you switch on and off as you would expect.
I had a MK5 R32 for 5 years and loved it, especially the lovely burble you get from the exhaust.
Thankfully on later models they just have an "A/C" Button that you switch on and off as you would expect.
I had a MK5 R32 for 5 years and loved it, especially the lovely burble you get from the exhaust.
Edited by cuprabob on Monday 16th April 00:47
Yeah the split crank pin straight six has a cool off-beat thrum to it at idle.
It’s a cool engine really. It’s torquey but revvy and light feeling, low inertia, but decent power at the revs it spins to.
Ok it’s relatively heavy and crap on fuel, but that aside it does a great job.
I’ve read Stealth do some good remaps, and will tweak throttle maps a lot on driver preference.
I’m semi-tempted if it’s OBD mappable, to buy a Stealth remap then make throttle tweaks myself to get it just right.
My list of things to fix is growing.
Today the sun highlighted this:
I think Evans Halshaw decided to let a monkey mop the car and it’s covered in holograms so that’s £250 for a correction
I’m not one for having super perfect paint, but I can’t live with that.
Also some condensation in 3rd brake light.
And new number plates stuck on with stickers... again Evans have drilled theirs in inappropriate places the plonkers!
Dave
It’s a cool engine really. It’s torquey but revvy and light feeling, low inertia, but decent power at the revs it spins to.
Ok it’s relatively heavy and crap on fuel, but that aside it does a great job.
I’ve read Stealth do some good remaps, and will tweak throttle maps a lot on driver preference.
I’m semi-tempted if it’s OBD mappable, to buy a Stealth remap then make throttle tweaks myself to get it just right.
My list of things to fix is growing.
Today the sun highlighted this:
I think Evans Halshaw decided to let a monkey mop the car and it’s covered in holograms so that’s £250 for a correction
I’m not one for having super perfect paint, but I can’t live with that.
Also some condensation in 3rd brake light.
And new number plates stuck on with stickers... again Evans have drilled theirs in inappropriate places the plonkers!
Dave
I too loved my R32
Owned from new for 60,000 miles. I bought a Golf R and the plan was to keep both cars (as I loved the R32 so much & I couldn't imagine ever parting with it)
But! Despite it's lack of cylinders the R is so amazing I found I was never using the R32. Not knocking the R32 at all, just saying don't be too quick to dismiss the R later down the tracks.
Owned from new for 60,000 miles. I bought a Golf R and the plan was to keep both cars (as I loved the R32 so much & I couldn't imagine ever parting with it)
But! Despite it's lack of cylinders the R is so amazing I found I was never using the R32. Not knocking the R32 at all, just saying don't be too quick to dismiss the R later down the tracks.
3rd brake light is a common failure due to water ingress. The official line is that the bonded rear spoiler has to be removed amd re-bonded to replace but you can actually break the old light out and replace. Replacement costs around £50 from TPS.
Guide on how to replace without removing spoiler.
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=1210...
Guide on how to replace without removing spoiler.
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=1210...
Yeah it’s sad no one makes charismatic small engines any longer.
Ie BMW have made sixes for ages then suddenly they’re only in the top models, and with turbos.
Imo VAG should have made a VR6 2.5 turbo rather than the 5 potter (or alongside it).
Then used it in the top end hatches.
Having to spend Audi RS money to access a 4 pot+ noise/quality is just daft when a 4 pot+ noise used to be available in mid range models.
I’m distinctly unimpressed with the off-paper specs of modern cars.
They read like exotica from the 90s and 00s and then you drive them and are rewarded with dullness.
I’d love to swap my 335xd for a 4dr V8 M3 for this exact reason. But my wife see’s £500+ tax and cringes, while I see £5000 a year depreciation and feel like feinting!
The R32 is clearly a car made for driving rather than playing top trumps with.
From my brief driving it’s just as fast as the 335xd at anything upto 0.85 leptons, but makes you work harder for it and gives some enjoyment to do so.
My old Z4 is still on another level for the sense of speed and cabin noise.
But I think with sensible subtle mods I can remedy that.
Currently thinking a sound-generator or equivalent feed to the bulkhead could be possible (feed in past the gateway box
), and remove bonnet liner and maybe some firewall proofing to get a bit more audio action coming in 
Ie BMW have made sixes for ages then suddenly they’re only in the top models, and with turbos.
Imo VAG should have made a VR6 2.5 turbo rather than the 5 potter (or alongside it).
Then used it in the top end hatches.
Having to spend Audi RS money to access a 4 pot+ noise/quality is just daft when a 4 pot+ noise used to be available in mid range models.
I’m distinctly unimpressed with the off-paper specs of modern cars.
They read like exotica from the 90s and 00s and then you drive them and are rewarded with dullness.
I’d love to swap my 335xd for a 4dr V8 M3 for this exact reason. But my wife see’s £500+ tax and cringes, while I see £5000 a year depreciation and feel like feinting!
The R32 is clearly a car made for driving rather than playing top trumps with.
From my brief driving it’s just as fast as the 335xd at anything upto 0.85 leptons, but makes you work harder for it and gives some enjoyment to do so.
My old Z4 is still on another level for the sense of speed and cabin noise.
But I think with sensible subtle mods I can remedy that.
Currently thinking a sound-generator or equivalent feed to the bulkhead could be possible (feed in past the gateway box
), and remove bonnet liner and maybe some firewall proofing to get a bit more audio action coming in cuprabob said:
3rd brake light is a common failure due to water ingress. The official line is that the bonded rear spoiler has to be removed amd re-bonded to replace but you can actually break the old light out and replace. Replacement costs around £50 from TPS.
Guide on how to replace without removing spoiler.
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=1210...
Damn photobucket. I wonder how well their strategy backfired on them Guide on how to replace without removing spoiler.
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=1210...
Better surely to host an advert every 10th load or something.
Mr Whippy said:
...and I’m really very impressed.
It’s a 58 plate R32 with manual gearbox.
The only thing I’m feeling I’m missing from the Z4 is a bit of sound generator (pipe ducting from intake to cabin, Fiesta ST had one too) to give it a better cabin noise.
A red R32 is a rare sight which is a shame as it works well. It’s a 58 plate R32 with manual gearbox.
The only thing I’m feeling I’m missing from the Z4 is a bit of sound generator (pipe ducting from intake to cabin, Fiesta ST had one too) to give it a better cabin noise.
Regarding noise, there is the exhaust flap mod which increases the noise a bit at the rear by keeping both tailpipes open all the time. Then inside the air box is a flap and a divided section. It's best to get hold of another bottom half of an airbox you can hollow them out which increases the noise whilst looking "standard". If you are feeling creative you can make openings on the wing side of the box and the base to. Cone filters on VR6s sound the business but in less you have a good heatshield and cold air feed they just add noise. There are carbon intake boxes at the more expensive end of things like VW racing intake & Gruppe M but i suspect that would be massive overkill.
I've always wanted a MK5 Golf R32. That noise is glorious, even with the standard exhaust. In fact, that engine is bonkers for a Golf full-stop and never to be seen in such a car again, if at all.
I do like the MK7R's though. Fair enough, the noise is not comparable but it's so much quicker and also much better on fuel. I can agree that it won't feel quite as special as 3.2 V(R)6 in these.
My friend had a manual one in blue for a good few years. It looked gorgeous!
I do like the MK7R's though. Fair enough, the noise is not comparable but it's so much quicker and also much better on fuel. I can agree that it won't feel quite as special as 3.2 V(R)6 in these.
My friend had a manual one in blue for a good few years. It looked gorgeous!
culpz said:
I've always wanted a MK5 Golf R32. That noise is glorious,
I do like the MK7R's though. Fair enough, the noise is not comparable but it's so much quicker and also much better on fuel!
sod the fuel consumption, you don't think about that when you put your foot down and the motor turns super unleaded into a glorious symphony of sound & motion. I do like the MK7R's though. Fair enough, the noise is not comparable but it's so much quicker and also much better on fuel!
I've tried a mk6 Golf R with DSG and ultimately yes it seems quicker as it builds boost so early in the rev range and fires through several gears with all kinds of strangely manufactured noises but it is no where near as satisfying as winding a VR6 through it's rev range.
There is something about the VR, once it's over 4000rpm an starts really making it's voice heard. Granted mine are somewhat louder than normal as one is fitted with a cat back exhaust (the civilised one) and the other runs a 6 branch manifold, into a decat into a 3" system with a removable resonator which is insane - going through the M4 tunnel at Newport is insane as is blasting down an unlit bypass where the flames popping out the exhaust light up the road behind you.
aka_kerrly said:
sod the fuel consumption, you don't think about that when you put your foot down and the motor turns super unleaded into a glorious symphony of sound & motion.
I've tried a mk6 Golf R with DSG and ultimately yes it seems quicker as it builds boost so early in the rev range and fires through several gears with all kinds of strangely manufactured noises but it is no where near as satisfying as winding a VR6 through it's rev range.
There is something about the VR, once it's over 4000rpm an starts really making it's voice heard. Granted mine are somewhat louder than normal as one is fitted with a cat back exhaust (the civilised one) and the other runs a 6 branch manifold, into a decat into a 3" system with a removable resonator which is insane - going through the M4 tunnel at Newport is insane as is blasting down an unlit bypass where the flames popping out the exhaust light up the road behind you.
I think maybe it's just because i've become more accustomed to turbo motors. I'd be buying one of these for mostly the noise anyway! I've tried a mk6 Golf R with DSG and ultimately yes it seems quicker as it builds boost so early in the rev range and fires through several gears with all kinds of strangely manufactured noises but it is no where near as satisfying as winding a VR6 through it's rev range.
There is something about the VR, once it's over 4000rpm an starts really making it's voice heard. Granted mine are somewhat louder than normal as one is fitted with a cat back exhaust (the civilised one) and the other runs a 6 branch manifold, into a decat into a 3" system with a removable resonator which is insane - going through the M4 tunnel at Newport is insane as is blasting down an unlit bypass where the flames popping out the exhaust light up the road behind you.
I think, for that reason, the MK7R's are probably a bit too quick and maybe even the MK6R's too. I've got the 2.0 TSI in my Scirocco, albeit the de-tuned version. It doesn't sound too bad actually and feels plenty quick enough. I'm thinking of getting the resonator deleted for a bit more noise, as it is quite mute, unless you have both windows down. Even then, it's still fairly silent.
I switched from an RX7 to a MK5 GTI in December. Mainly because the RX7 needed far too much work doing for the money I had.
Have to say I do like it. Simple things like 6 gears, heated seats and enough space to use it as a proper car. Had a couple of issues, like the thermostat needing replacing amongst other things. need to check if the DV needs replacing as it doesn't feel quite as quick as I'd expect and it's a common failure. Wing needs replacing due to rust when I get around to it but that's also a common failing I knew about.
For a car going on 150k miles I can't complain at all. Kind of wish I'd have saved more and got an ED30 as they're more tuneable
Have to say I do like it. Simple things like 6 gears, heated seats and enough space to use it as a proper car. Had a couple of issues, like the thermostat needing replacing amongst other things. need to check if the DV needs replacing as it doesn't feel quite as quick as I'd expect and it's a common failure. Wing needs replacing due to rust when I get around to it but that's also a common failing I knew about.
For a car going on 150k miles I can't complain at all. Kind of wish I'd have saved more and got an ED30 as they're more tuneable
I did consider a GTi but fancied a big NA engine and AWD.
Despite 4 owners and 49k miles though, it still had jobs to be done.
Current list:
Polish out holograms
Some or all engine mounts
Source a service book and fill in
Recon alloys (no diamond cut outer)
OE discs/pads when needed (has red stuff/grooved)
A satnav/Apple play headunit
Exhaust valve mod
New key cases (wish they did a smaller no flip key)
Full service and all the trimmings/extras
I’ll wait on wheels and brakes, but the rest I want to do sooner than later or asap.
I’ll have to look into airbox tweaks and stuff.
Mostly I just miss the ability to sense the engine speed/load under 3000rpm or so.
It’s too muted to properly read.
I think I’d also like to tweak throttle linearity too to get it more consistent... but that’ll be after I’ve enjoyed it as standard first and know what I want to alter.
I did a run out in it yesterday, about 45 miles round trip for vpower and some other jobs etc.
20.2mpg
The Z4 would do 29mpg... but it’s not awd and it’s lighter too.
But still!
But hey it makes me smile. On a decent run I bet it’s ok, but hooning, eek!
Despite 4 owners and 49k miles though, it still had jobs to be done.
Current list:
Polish out holograms
Some or all engine mounts
Source a service book and fill in
Recon alloys (no diamond cut outer)
OE discs/pads when needed (has red stuff/grooved)
A satnav/Apple play headunit
Exhaust valve mod
New key cases (wish they did a smaller no flip key)
Full service and all the trimmings/extras
I’ll wait on wheels and brakes, but the rest I want to do sooner than later or asap.
I’ll have to look into airbox tweaks and stuff.
Mostly I just miss the ability to sense the engine speed/load under 3000rpm or so.
It’s too muted to properly read.
I think I’d also like to tweak throttle linearity too to get it more consistent... but that’ll be after I’ve enjoyed it as standard first and know what I want to alter.
I did a run out in it yesterday, about 45 miles round trip for vpower and some other jobs etc.
20.2mpg
The Z4 would do 29mpg... but it’s not awd and it’s lighter too.
But still!
But hey it makes me smile. On a decent run I bet it’s ok, but hooning, eek!
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