Volkswagen Golf R32 (05-08) - Review

Review by Dan Harrison on
Last Updated: 28 September 2009
If the thought of a GTI is just a little too everyday, then this could be the Golf for you. It does without the lurid colours and loud bodykits that you'll see elsewhere in the hot hatch world - the only visual difference between this range-topper and a standard Golf are a few subtle styling tweaks and a redesigned front end. What you do get is one of the fastest and most powerful Golfs ever produced with a 250bhp 3.2-litre V6 and four-wheel-drive for excellent grip in all conditions. It's the gentleman's, rather than the boy racer's, hot hatch.
4.5 out of 5

Other Volkswagen reviews

3 out of 5

Running costs

A strong demand for the previous generation model means that prices remain firm. With numbers in the UK restricted (there was an allocation of approximately 1450 a year), expect a similar story for this car. While fuel consumption is a little high for a family hatchback - expect 29 mpg in everyday driving - it's not excessive and comparable to rivals. Volkswagen dealers can be pricey when it comes to parts and servicing though.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

Variable according to on board computer.

Warranty

Three years/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£460.00 - £475.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

2 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
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  • D
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  • F
  • G
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  • I
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  • L
    233
  • M
    257

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

The R32 is a polluting model with an average of 243g/km CO2. It's also pretty thirsty, averaging 28mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2