When we meet with like-minded car enthusiast the conversation over a cup of tea mostly revolves around the next car purchase or the dream car buy…..be it expensive or just exclusive. One car that has slipped everyone’s mind in recent years simply because it is so rare and to difficult to source has been the Volkswagen Golf R32. This was the car that showed the world what VW can do if it set its mind to do it and they did it with so much emotion.
The Volkswagen Golf R32 come from the plain ole 4th generation VW Golf which did not make an official introduction in Malaysia because at the time there was no official importer in the country handling the VW brand.
Auto Dunia who held the VW and Audi franchises had already given up the VW brand after the 3rd generation Golf was launched and soon after that Hong Leong Motors was disposing of all its South African assembled VW Golfs and Ventos to cease its operations.
This 2002 Golf R32 takes VW performance possibilities to a higher level. With a potent 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine, which was the most powerful production Golf yet built at the time, as well as one of the most distinctive. Its narrow-angle 24-valve power plant produced 241 PS at 6250 rpm for a 0 to 100km/h time of just 6.6 seconds and a possible top speed of 153 mph.
With a 4MOTION intelligent four-wheel drive system, lowered suspension (by 10 mm compared with a standard Golf V6), more responsive steering and throttle responses, plus ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme), the Volkswagen Golf R32 was more than capable of safely transferring its power to the road.
A specially designed exhaust system with twin chrome tailpipes emphasised this Golf’s capabilities. From idle to the red line, the Volkswagen Golf R32 produced a purposeful engine note which matched its high performance character.
In terms of appearance, there is no mistaking the VW Golf R32. Visual cues include new front and rear bumpers, side sills, blue brake callipers and 18-inch ‘Aristo’ alloy wheels, while silver ‘R32’ badges take pride of place on the grille and tailgate. Inside, aluminium trim, sports seats with integrated backrests and extensive use of the ‘R’ (or ‘Racing’) logo add further visual distinction. The Volkswagen Golf R32 was sold in seven colours including Deep Blue Pearl metallic, which is unique to this model.
Technical specification
- Cubic capacity: 3189 cc
- Power output: 241 PS @ 6250 rpm
- Max torque: 320 Nm @ 2800-3200 rpm
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual
- Top speed: 246 km/h (153 mph)
- 0-100km/h (0-62 mph): 6.6 s
- Fuel economy
- urban: 17.1 mpg
- extra urban: 32.5 mpg
- combined: 24.4 mpg
