Used buying guide: Volkswagen Golf R32

Additional modifications have been aesthetic, with a chrome entrance grille and blue brake calipers, which went on to turn into a trademark styling function on all future Volkswagen R fashions. The R32 was additionally outfitted with bi-xenon headlights and 18in wheels as a part of its push for additional exclusivity. Inside, the excessive requirements set by the common Golf have been in proof, with a roomy cabin, well-sorted driving setting, sound perceived high quality and good ergonomics. 

The R32 additionally launched a couple of of its personal touches according to its extra sporting remit. A 3-spoke, flat-bottomed multifunction steering wheel was normal and, on DSG variants, accommodated shift paddles, whereas aluminium trim adorned the dashboard. Aluminium was additionally used on the centre console, pedals and door panels. 

Local weather management and sensible wipers have been fitted as normal however among the options now frequent on a lot of as we speak’s new automobiles have been optionally available, together with parking sensors and sat-nav. Different choices offered a sportier really feel, together with hard-shell Recaro seats with their further lateral assist. 

The R32 pushed the Golf into a brand new efficiency bracket with out compromising its enchantment as a sensible household hatch. And speaking of enchantment, costs as we speak begin at £5000.

What we mentioned then

5 October 2005: “The R32’s dealing with matches its tempo, with lots of grip and taut physique management. Its inherent directness provides a very good diploma of confidence by way of fast corners. The brakes are glorious. Backing all this up is a superbly completed cabin, making the brand new R32 a extra full automobile than its predecessor. It’s sooner (if solely fractionally), extra snug, higher wanting and higher outfitted. It additionally delivers a degree of driveline sophistication that the GTI can’t match. Briefly: nice.”