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.
5 out of 5

Safety

In addition to a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating, there's ABS with brake assist, an electronic stability programme, twin front, side and curtain airbags, five three-point seatbelts, Isofix child seat preparation and traction control. Security is taken care of with an alarm and immobiliser.

NCAP Test

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    5 out of 5
  • Child Protection Rating

    4 out of 5
  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    3 out of 5
4 out of 5

Reliability

This generation of Golf is proving to be very reliable and even though the R32 is a performance model, we're expecting to offer as good durability.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

No problems reported.