09 Aug 05 13:53
Meet the most powerful Golf ever launched by Volkswagen. The Mk5 Golf R32, which will be officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month before going on sale here in November, packs a huge 250bhp. As with the previous generation R32, the latest, hottest Golf uses VW's 4-MOTION permanent four-wheel drive set-up. Volkswagen has announced that the price in Europe will be 32,200 Euros, or about £22,500, which is roughly what UK buyers can expect to pay.
Visually, the giant-killing Golf is distinguished from lesser models by an aluminium-look grille and a very large air intake under the bumper to feed the 3.2-litre V6 engine. There are side skirts running the length of the car, and at the rear, very distinct, closely spaced exhausts dominate the view. Completing the muscular appearance are 18-inch 20-spoke Zolder alloy wheels on low profile tyres. And compared to 'cooking' models, the R32 sits 20mm lower to the ground.
Inside, there are plenty of reminders that you're behind the wheel of the most potent Golf, from aluminium trim highlights to massively supportive seats, which wouldn't look out of place on a race-prepared car.
So will it deliver against competitors such as the Astra VXR and upcoming Clio Sport? Well, with a 0-62mph time of just 6.2secs and a top speed of 155mph, the Golf is right on the money. Interestingly, the R32 is slightly slower to 62mph if owners specify the manual six-speed gearbox. That's because the optional sequential DSG (dual clutch gearbox) can shift faster than even the most accomplished drivers.
But the R32 is no stripped-out sportster - standard kit includes automatic air-con, an audio system with ten speakers, rain sensors, tyre pressure monitors, bi-xenon headlights, six airbags, ESP and brake assist.
