After 13 years of a dreary golf range that didn’t tickle the senses of any driving enthusiast, Volkswagen needed to come up with its saviour to get the golf mark back on track. The engineers at VW threw everything they could at it to create a very focused, God of the hot hatches. The R32 was born.

Unveiled in 2003, the R32 was an instant success. The R32 featured bulging arches, 18 inch alloys, deeper bumpers, side skirts and a twin exhaust making for a very purposeful looking hot hatch. Under the skin, the engineering and packaging is quite frankly unbelievable. The VW engineers have managed to fit an advanced Haldex 4-wheel drive system and a large 3.2 VR6 under the bonnet whilst being a small sized hot hatch capable of carrying 5 people and a small dog. 

The R32 is quite frankly a sensational drive. This example is fitted with a highly praised Milltek exhaust that gives the engine a beautiful VR6 howl at high revs and a subtle, satisfying warble at the lower end. The steering was also tampered with on the R32 over the original and was sharpened up and is weighted well. In fact, for a relatively heavy hot hatch with a 4-wheel system the steering has a decent amount of feedback and is keen to turn in to corners.

The R32 was the first golf offered with the complex but advanced DSG system. This can inherently be quite problematic. Luckily, this example is fitted with the more engaging, slick Manual box and it’s a pleasure to use. 

Anybody that enjoys driving will enjoy driving one of these. The responsive VR6 engine really Is the star of the show. It’s an addictive powerplant.

As shown in the service book, the car looks to have been properly maintained and although in recent years the services haven’t been stamped in the book, there are a plethora of invoices with supporting evidence for serving and correct maintenance from an array of independent garages and VW specialists. 

The car has passed hands a fare few times over the years, not unusual for a car of this nature however its clear to see that not one owner slacked on proving the car with frequent and correct maintenance. The car also comes with 2 keys, albeit one needs to be programmed and cut, book packs, VW toolkit, locking wheel nut key and plenty of invoicing.  

This R32 comes with a comprehensive history and even comes with its original bill of sale from the VW dealership. The original owner part exchanged a 2001 golf GTI for it so was quite clearly a performance Golf man. The car also comes with 2 keys, albeit one needs to be programmed and cut, book packs, VW toolkit, plenty of MOT certificates, locking wheel nut key and plenty of invoicing. 

The invoices vary between a few different garages due to changing hands a number of times however, there are many main dealer, VW specialists, and respected garage invoices relating to maintenance and servicing. Its also good to see the Haldex system has not been neglected and has undergone a number of services too with evidence to support. 

You also may have noticed; the car is on a cool plate that spells ‘BOYS’ too (RL03 OYS)'

The interior is all very standard. The car features its original VW radio, the original bespoke R32 seats, thicker rimmed steering wheel, aluminium accents and then the rest of the interior is normal run of the mill MK4 golf.

This golf does however need some cosmetic attention on the interior. Many of the standard golf parts are worn, looking worse for wear, and not quite fitting as well as they did. Luckily, being a MK4 golf parts are readily available and are cheap so would be fairly easy to bring the overall look of the interior to a fantastic standard. 

The drivers seat bolster also requires attention, like any R32 though due to aggressive side bolsters. Another weak point on the MK4 R32 Golf is the headlining, although not fully unstuck, like many on the market currently, it does require attention. This is a common issue and can be sorted by many automotive trimmers. 

The exterior is presented in the Shade of sunlight silver, a common VW colour at the time and I must say, it really suits the body work of the R32 as the sun really catches the flared arches and bumpers which overall enhances the look. The car is largely unmodified and sits on its gorgeous multi-spoke 18-inch alloys. The only visual difference is the slightly different Milltek exhaust tips but even then, you would need to be a connoisseur to notice. 

Overall, the condition is what you would expect of an 130k miles golf. There are stone chips, small scuffs and small scratches. There is also the odd bit of rust bubbling underneath the paint on the A pillar, small amounts on parts of the sills and round the boot handle. This is inevitable for any R32 of this vintage. Thankfully there are no dents in the body work, and despite the blemishes it still looks really good. 

The wheels are generally in good condition with minimal curbing. Some do have some corrosion and of course would look better with a refurb.

The car has recently undergone a fair bit of mechanical work to get it through its latest MOT and luckily on its most recent it passed with no advisories. The car has had new CV boots, handbrake adjusted and brake cable guide fixed, and exhaust has been repaired. The car has also been recently serviced and the oil is clean, although the service reset was not completed so states on the dash it is due one. 

The car really does drive superb. You wouldn’t think it had done 130k miles. It has recently undergone a full wheel alignment completed when the car was fitted with 4x performance tyres a few months ago. The tyres are of Laufenn brand. Don’t worry if you haven’t heard of them before, they are a Hankook sub brand that specialise in performance tyres that undercut their competitors on price. 

They work well in wet and dry conditions and have many good reviews online. The only issue stated on the dashboard is that the oil sensor has broken. If you’re handy with the tools this can be fixed for around £50. 

There is also a minor squeak that sometimes occurs coming from the fan belt. However, seems to be fine at current. The engine pulls well, stops very keenly (The brakes have been recently replaced) and corners well. There are no knocks from the suspension and would make a great base for a cosmetic restoration. The Haldex 4-wheel drive system was also serviced last year and has had proper maintenance over the years and still works very well. 

The car is currently fitted with a K&N cold air intake however is supplied with all the correct original airbox too if you wish to take the car back to original.

These R32s are really becoming a cult classic and seem to be causing quite a stir in today’s market. These early, 3 door Mk4 R32s are certainly the one to have and will always be regarded as the Golf saviour and the ‘Original’ R32. They are a superb amount of fun, and even though this one isn’t mint in condition, it would make a great proposition for a cosmetic restoration to bring it back to its former glory or would make for a great and fun daily. 

Alternatively, it would make for a great base to modify. What ever you intend to use it for, it will certainly put a smile on your face and will certainly be a safe place to put some money.