**vendor supplied photos**
Highlights
- Two owners from new
- Full independent service history
- Recently resprayed
- V6 soundtrack
- All-wheel drive
The Appeal
Ever since the Mk1 Golf GTI was released in 1976, Volkswagen’s hot hatch formula has remained pretty much unchanged. Bijou packaging, perky performance and front-wheel drive has proved to be a successful combination over the years.
However, sometimes Volkswagen has been a little more radical, which has yielded some rather wonderful results. In 2002 Volkswagen released the R32, the most powerful Golf ever made.
Based on the Mk4, the GTI version of which had disappointed some critics, the R32 borrowed several elements if its chassis from Audi, culminating in the creation of an AWD V6 fun-size rocketship.
The History and Paperwork
- Two owners from new
- Comprehensive independent service history
- Recently resprayed in original Deep Blue Pearl
- Supplied with two keys
- MOT until March 2023
The Interior
- Original, unrestored
- König sports seats
- Pioneer stereo fitted
- Some signs of age-related wear
The R32 was equipped with a purposeful interior, insomuch as the fixtures and fittings were overtly driver-focused.
Aluminium pedals emblazoned with Volkswagen’s “R” line motif, are clearly positioned for swift heel-and-toe gear changes. The stubby gear lever itself falls easily to hand and is in fair condition considering what a frequent touchpoint it is in this hot hatch.
The König sports seats were clearly designed to hold the occupants snuggly in place and in this example they are starting to show some wear to the bolsters, especially on the driver’s side as would be expected.
The vendor informs us that the grey headlining is securely attached but displays a couple of dark marks. The carpets have survived very well and serve to demonstrate that while this car has been used, it has been taken care of as well.
The boot is in very fair condition, containing the original toolkit.
The R32 has also been fitted with a Pioneer stereo by a car radio specialist. The vendor reports that it sounds really good.
We are informed that everything inside the car works correctly.
The Exterior
- Resprayed original Deep Pearl Blue
- No corrosion reported by the owner
- Original O-Z wheels present well
- Good tyres
Having recently been repainted in its original Deep Pearl Blue, the vendor remarks that this Golf belies its age and mileage.
The paintwork appears very smart and shows off the fact that the car is straight, with even shut lines and panel gaps.
The R32 is sat on 18”, 15-spoke O-Z alloys which were originally fitted to this model. The wheels present in overall very fine condition, the vendor identifying a small chip on the nearside front rim. The Dunlop tyres are in good condition and have plenty of tread remaining.
The vendor describes the underside of the car as “fair” which we agree with. While there is certainly scope to tidy up certain elements underneath, the R32 appears to be free from corrosion and everything looks in good functional order.
The Mechanics
- 3.2-litre narrow angle V6
- Variable intake and exhaust camshaft timing
- Plastic intake manifold for improved airflow
- Haldex AWD
When tested the R32 was quite capable of achieving 0-60 in 6.4 seconds – achieved with the shove from a 3.2-litre narrow angle V6, shared with the Audi TT 3.2 and the VW Phaeton.
The engine was renowned in its day for featuring variable camshaft timing and a plastic intake manifold for improved airflow. While the German market was offered the first iteration of VW’s dual-clutch DSG gearbox, Britain got a six-speed manual, which in this car operates very well.
The R32’s party piece is the Haldex AWD system, taken from Audi’s AWD TT. Audi know a thing or two about driving all four wheels of a car and this system was no different, significantly contributing to the R32’s traction in fast corners.
This example is said to drive very well indeed. The vendor informs us that it accelerates strongly and changes gear with no issues at all. The vendor has been advised by a specialist that the Golf may require new bushes at some point in the future.
In spite of its mileage, the wealth of invoices supplied with the car show that it has been serviced regularly and thus is in fine fettle mechanically.
Summary
We are unlikely to see many V6 engines in hot hatches of the future, which is rather a shame. The R32 Golf Mk4 should therefore be cherished as an important moment in the history of the hot hatchback.
This example, with its fresh paintwork and comprehensive service history, is a fine thing that is bound to bring joy to those who shall drive it in years to come.
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