At the time of release the R32 was gifted the most powerful engine ever fitted to a production Golf, boasting 240bhp and 0-60 of 6.6 seconds, quite zippy even by today's standards and with a top speed of 150mph it is clear this car was built for the Autobahns. 

The inherent issue with true hot hatchbacks is they often land in the hands of carefree owners, enjoying the thrills to the maximum often to the detriment of the car. This fine example, though is likely the finest on the market, benefiting from spending a vast majority of its life in Japan, well known for being a dryer climate and kinder to cars. 

Having only a fraction of the miles that similar examples have, the true feel of the great R32 can still be enjoyed along with show worthy paint, interior and a sound so synonymous with the legendary Volkswagen V6 engine. 

We were pleased to see with this Golf that original Japanese service documentation has been retained to back up a well cared for life along with the original VW wallet and two very fresh looking remote keys.

The vendor has ensured that the service side of things has also been taken care of this end with a full fluid service including Haldex filter and oil change which is a costly yet necessary service item along with an air conditioning re-gas. 

Being the flagship model of the day, the R32 came with every bell and whistle available at the time making one very enjoyable cabin to be in. The all black interior gives a premium feel, with swathes of leather, thick carpets and brushed metal finishings, not a cabin you will forget in a hurry. Broad wingback sports seats really are the first thing you notice upon opening the weighty and solid doors and you're greeted with an exceptionally well preserved interior that shows very little evidence of use, commensurate with the mileage at hand. 

Settle into the well furnished driver's seat and it's pretty evident you're in something very special, greeted with a sporty steering wheel with deep thumb grips, a speedometer that reads 180mph and a lovely set of R branded metal pedals under foot. Other subtle hints that you're not driving just any old Golf are the R and R32 logos around the cabin, the 4 motion embossed on the gear knob and a premium stereo system. The gearstick gaiter surround is possibly the only evidence of ageing with the soft touch coating showing evidence of peeling which is ever so common.

The seats have been refurbished and with crisp R logos and tight black leather they look very fresh and inviting and the same too goes for the original R32 specific mats with clean edging and minimal wear. 

The switches, steering wheel and all high contact areas show minimal wear with some shining on the surfaces. The boot looks quite honestly unused and under the carpet is a tool kit, jack and air compressor all seemingly unused and original. 

With some not so subtle twin exhausts, R32 specific wheels and large air intakes in the front bumper, it doesn’t take a keen eye to determine what species of Golf this really is. Wonderfully clean and presentable all round it is clear this example has not seen a hard life with lovely straight bodywork all over. 

The wheels have been shod in Michelin Pilot Sport tyres and repainted with just about 400 miles under their belt and behind the 18’’ wheels sit the standard blue calipers. All the lights are in great condition, the fronts being a xenon dip beam behind projection lamps giving a modern look and great nighttime visibility along with great clear lenses and no evidence of damage or the usual fading. 

The vendor told us there has been some paint work carried out in places to ensure the excellent exterior is kept as presentable as possible and evidently this has been done exceptionally well. 

Built in October 2003 it is hard to believe this car has two decades of use under its belt, wonderfully maintained and pampered this R32 wants for nothing. 

A look under the bonnet tells all with virtually no dirt to see, no modifications and nothing evidently broken or out of place with all the plastic trims, covers, caps and badges looking virtually factory fresh. 

The underside is a similar story, totally original with everything underneath barely showing any signs of age, especially compared to other UK kept examples. 

For anyone who knows anything about Japanese car safety rules, you will know they are of the highest standard with no room for poor workmanship or sloppy servicing and clearly this car has seen all the correct attention by visual inspection and by evidence of official paperwork. Ultimately this vehicle is very hard to fault, described by the vendor as running and sounding amazing, and we don’t doubt it. 

Getting rarer by the day, the R32 is now well recognised as a modern classic and an appreciating asset by most everyone. Even if you are not a fan of the marque it is hard to refute the credentials of this fine specimen that has gone totally unmolested, away from the hands of modifiers, preserving a truly iconic piece of Volkswagen history in fine fashion. Almost impossible to fault, this R32 would be an excellent concourse or show car, ideal for any collection.

BEFORE YOU BUY 

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✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies. 

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