Jeremy Clarkson
Proms Podcast
Star musicians and your favourite Times writers at the Albert Hall
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From
January 27, 2008
Volkswagen Golf R32
Rating 
Verdict A hole in one
I’ll cut straight to the chase: the R32 is a fabulous car, but it doesn’t shout about it. Apart from a bit of jewellery at the front and some blue brake callipers, it looks like a normal Golf. You really have to stare at it for quite some time to notice it’s riding a little lower than usual and that the tyres are suspiciously wide.
The ride is comfortable, there’s no unnecessary noise and everyone has lots of space. Then you put your foot down and suddenly the world starts to go backwards. Not harshly or sportily. It’s not like the GTI, this. It’s a big, refined power, more like gravity than internal combustion, so you feel like you’re in a Mercedes. Only I’d like to bet the VW is better made.
And cheaper. Prices for a three-door start at less than £24,000, which is exceptional value for money, and even if you go for a five-door with a double-clutch DSG flappy paddle gearbox (which is what I’d do) you’re still asked to pay less than £26,000. And that’s a lot of car for the money. It’s more than that in fact. It’s every car you could ever reasonably need. Fast, well made, practical, surprisingly economical and above all discreet.
This Golf R32 is as good as it gets. Which is why I’m giving it the rare accolade of a Sunday Times five-star rating.
Current price £24,845
Price when tested (Nov 2005) £23,745
Engine 3200cc, six cylinders
Power 247bhp @ 6300rpm
Torque 236 lb ft @ 2500rpm
Transmission Six-speed manual
Fuel 26.2mpg (combined) / 259g/km
0-62mph 6.5sec
Top speed 155mph
My wife and I are Porsche 911 owners and we recently replaced our heavy and rolling Cayenne S as our "main car" with an 08 R32. It offers the best of all worlds, driveability, space, functionality. It beat the Lancer Evo X, BMW 130i, & Prius. Sounds like the UK dealers get some lemons. None in Japan
Simon, Tokyo, Japan
I own a 2007 R32 and I love it. It is absolutely awesome.
As soon as I turn the ignition and hear the V6 burst into life. I forget about the fact I'm paying 125p a litre for petrol.
Jason , London,
Jeremy,
You've hit it spot on.
I took delivery of a US spec '08 R32 last August and every time I get in, I love it more than the last. It's fantastic in the snow and the rain. I don't notice the pain at the pump as much with this much fun. No reliability issues at all after 9400 miles
Dave Stafford, Tipp City, Ohio, USA
The R32 is a fabulous car BUT!! I took delivery of my MK V in June 2007 and finally rejected it in September when it had spent more time in the dealers workshop than in my garage, with an endless series of electrical faults mostly involving the whole dash lighting up like a Christmas tree. VW agreed to replace it and I took delivery of my second one in December 2007. The engine warning light came on after 50 miles and was diagnosed as a faulty knock sensor. After 2500 miles the fault recurred. After having had a new ECU which failed to cure the fault, the car is now awaiting delivery of a new engine! So for me a great car ruined by total unreliability.
Norman Billingham, Brighton, E Sussex
I have a golf r32 and it is terrific, fast, well built, great for every day use, sure a tacky sti is boomily faster, but for cross country real world driving, it is fabulous, I have a new addition to the family and the cabrio's have gone, this is a real discreet mid thirties uber hatch. Get to 6,000rpm in a tunnel and smile !!!
Jonathan Bassett, St Ives, Cornwall
As a result of your review of the R32 on Top Gear, I decided t have a look at one (and the Golf GTi). You were wrong. The noise it makes is even better than you said. My R32 was delivered to the colonies four months ago now, and I totally love it.
John Bartels, Melbourne, Australia
I'm on my second R32 - first one was a second-hand 53 model and the second a straight-from-the-factory 07 model. I love this car. Over the years I have had BMW's, Mercedes, Audis, various 4x4's, and even a Golf GT-TDI when I felt I should be more economically responsible...... But after driving around for a while in the GT-TDI donkey, I just had to go back to the R32 thoroughbred racehorse. It is a FANTASTIC car - responsive, fast, and a complete joy to drive, as well as a bit of a head-turner. No electrical or handling problems here .... There is quite a bit of difference between the 53 model and the 07 model though. The new model has proved to be a much smoother ride for passengers, and perhaps a slightly tamer experience for the driver too. One or two rough edges smoothed, perhaps, but definitely still great fun. This car's not for the weak... it's actually a beast in Golf clothing!
Carole Rees, Newquay, UK
Sorry to disagee with you Jeremy. I had a VW Golf R32 and yes it was a quick little devil but that was it. It had a series of quality control and electrical problems. A pity really. You must own one to know one. I may have to make the unforgiveable sin and return to a Japanese car. Don't make the high salary that you do.
Peter Strauss, London, UK