RE: VW reveals spec for top Golf
RE: VW reveals spec for top Golf
Tuesday 27th September 2005

VW reveals spec for top Golf

Prices in line with expectations


Golf R32
Golf R32
Volkswagen has priced and confirmed the spec for the top-of-the-range Golf, the R32. The four-wheel drive Golf goes on sale in the UK in November, with a starting price of £23,745 OTR for the 3-door manual version.

The updated version of the well-familiar, narrow-angle 3.2-litre V6 (VW used to call it the VR6 but figured that sounded too German) offers 247bhp, compared to the GTI's 197bhp -- although the GTI costs just under £4,000 less.

VW reckoned the four-wheel drive 4MOTION R32 offers the most comprehensive standard specification of any Golf. Standard kit includes:

  • Bi-xenon headlights
  • Climatronic air conditioning
  • A ten-speaker audio system
  • Rain sensor wipers with auto-dimming rear view mirror
  • Sports suspension – lowered by approximately 20mm
  • 18-inch alloys

External features include a full-length aluminium grille, centrally-positioned twin exhaust pipes, darkened rear lenses, front spoiler with air scoops, plus a full-depth painted rear bumper and blue brake callipers.

The inside offers the usual sporty bits, such as sports seats, aluminium pedals, and leather with aluminium trimmed gear knob and steering wheel. Recaro bucket seats are a option from £945.

Author
Discussion

combover

Original Poster:

3,009 posts

245 months

Tuesday 27th September 2005
quotequote all
Too many slats all over the place and too expensive compared to the GTI. The GTI has a better badge and better legacy.

Just my opinion of course, but I wouldn't buy one.

Dickster

337 posts

263 months

Tuesday 27th September 2005
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I prefer the other shape myself and no matter what, it's still quite a bit for a golf?

the pits

4,290 posts

258 months

Tuesday 27th September 2005
quotequote all
Wasn't the old one nearer 28k loaded? Residuals on that must be taking a hit with the new one at 23k. Good. It's better looking and lighter I'd imagine with, oh my 7 less horsepower. Why are VW so tight - that car should be 280 bhp minimum to keep up with the Subarus and Mitsubishis!

fergy

279 posts

241 months

Tuesday 27th September 2005
quotequote all
That is a lot of money for a golf... not saying it will be a bad car but that is the base price a few extras and DSG and it will be a £28k car...yikes !!!

jas16

378 posts

250 months

Tuesday 27th September 2005
quotequote all
somehow it doesnt quite work for me

GTRene

19,864 posts

242 months

Tuesday 27th September 2005
quotequote all
I say, for what you get the money for the car is oké...only 4.000,- more then a GTI, and you get a lot more special stuf like 4wd and engine and more!
But yes, it could use more grunt, at least 280hp standard with a car like that, but I think they don't dare because it would be les reliable then...so more claims when things breake down?
annyway, 280hp at least and bucketseats will do fine (to start with)
René

Painey

534 posts

274 months

Tuesday 27th September 2005
quotequote all
Looks horrible if you ask me, nowhere near as nice as the original one. Speaking of that, I've heard of some update VW dealers can do to the ECU thet gives them approx an extra 20bhp anyway so not only does it not look as nice, it's less powerful too!

AlexH

2,505 posts

302 months

Tuesday 27th September 2005
quotequote all
combover said:
Too many slats all over the place


Nasty wheels too. Will it be any good to drive though?

dberkmen

40 posts

285 months

Tuesday 27th September 2005
quotequote all
According to Autocar today it's also 64kg heavier than the previous model, I think I'll stick with that for the time-being

potatoboy666

108 posts

248 months

Tuesday 27th September 2005
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the previous r32 was a hell of a lot better and less fat

R988

7,495 posts

247 months

Tuesday 27th September 2005
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That looks so bland compared to the old one, TBH I never really thought much of the old one anyway, but it looks good compared to this.

Why dont those conservative wimps at VW stop pissing about with pointless Bugattis and twin charging lawnmower engines for base spec golfs, and wheel out a W8 Quad Turbo, double supercharged monstrosity shoved into the rear of an AWD golf with mega pumped arches and a F**K Off body kit.

If your gonna do a performance model you may as well do it properly

r32

397 posts

270 months

Wednesday 28th September 2005
quotequote all
Gotta say this new R32 really doesnt appeal to me. The looks just arent right.

Looks like a clio at the rear with the central exhausts, and the front grill just looks wrong imho.

Will be sticking with my MKIV version for a bit longer I think.

AlexRWD

1,254 posts

255 months

Wednesday 28th September 2005
quotequote all
Agree that the styling is over-fussy, not as good looking as prev R32, or current GTi

Rob_the_Sparky

1,000 posts

256 months

Wednesday 28th September 2005
quotequote all
Why the stupidly large alloys? and why is the size of the alloys now a selling point?

Seems to me a bigger is better culture has sprung up for alloys with no one stopping to think whether that is actully a good idea or not!

wolfsburg

5 posts

241 months

Wednesday 28th September 2005
quotequote all
Everything they got right about the mkIV R32 they've got wrong about the mkV.
Released it at the end of the model cycle.
Developed a new engine with lots of extras.
Limited numbers to UK and to specific dealers.
Added new body kit to make it stand out from the rest.

From the front we've got a golf plus variant as a normal production golf.

Underestimated the buyer and overestimated their confidence.

Witchfinder

6,313 posts

270 months

Wednesday 28th September 2005
quotequote all
AlexH said:
Nasty wheels too. Will it be any good to drive though?

That's easily sorted though, and you could probably get a lot of cash for brand new genuine R32 wheels - more than enough to cover a set of good aftermarket wheels and tyres.

musketeer

3 posts

251 months

Wednesday 28th September 2005
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This car is d**d ugly.

xJib

10 posts

241 months

Wednesday 28th September 2005
quotequote all
If you add Bi-xenon, 18-inch alloys and a few extra options that are standard on the R32, then the GTi is over £22k. So that makes the gap less than £2k. And you do get 4motion. Personally I like the new Golf. Also I’d have one over a BMW 130i, probably the R32’s natural rival.

>> Edited by xjib on Thursday 29th September 09:54

chris_h

1,065 posts

296 months

Thursday 29th September 2005
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Those wheels would be a pig to clean!!!

Big Ashy

492 posts

271 months

Thursday 29th September 2005
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Personally, I still can`g get my head around the looks of the MK V, which ever variant! I still prefer the MK IV R32 and wouldn`t change it for a V, anyone who does needs their head feeling!!