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Volkswagen Golf R32

Although not actually badged as a Golf but just R32 it is a Golf but with a little bit of a difference. It shames the Ford RS Focus it makes the Honda Civic type R look like shopping trolley and just to really put the opposition in its place it has 4 wheel drive a V6 and 3.2 litres. But the icing on the cake is it comes with a full 240 hp enough to please even the hardest of hardcore hot hatchbacker.

Unlike the first hot hatches like the MK1 Golf this car has a V6 engine which strays somewhat from the traditional straight 4 arrangement which has been the norm for many years with all manufacturers. It also comes fully loaded with every modern innovation that Volkswagen can come up with including heated seats and traction control, which of course can be disarmed for the more adventerous. Another huge advantage it has over all other hot hatches including the latest products from Ford and Honda is that is has 4 wheel drive something usually only found in top end performance cars. It also has the performance to match the all wheel drive system it can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 6.6 seconds so its no slouch and with huge 225 tyres on 18 inch rims and lowered uprated suspension it doesn't break traction too easily so you can really push to the limit without having heart failure and to get yourself out of trouble it will accelerate from 30 to 70 in 6.3 seconds so overtaking becomes a breeze.With the power coming in so accuratley and smoothley not like the almighty rush you get with a turbo car you can easily work out how much time you spend in the suicide lane.

With the R32 not being in the same category as the Focus or the Type R Civic by this I mean the 'boy racer' category it doesn't attract the attention of the law quite so much or the joy riding yobs either. The type of person that car will appeal to is the more mature driver who used to own a GTI MK1 but has now progressed onto bigger and better things but still knows where to find a fun car with top performance pin sharp handling and an abundance of power but not wanting to lavish excess amounts of cash on a Porsche or BMW M series.

Specification

Engine: 3.2 litre V6
Power: 240 HP@ 6200 rpm
Torque: 320 lb ft @2800 rpm
Transmission: 6 speed manual
Suspension: front: independent struts Mcpherson with coil springs and anti roll bar
Rear: double wishbones, trailing arms, coil springs and anti roll bar
Wheels and tyres: 18 inch alloy rims with 225/40 ZR tyres
Fuel: 24.6 mpg (combined)
Acceleration: 0 to 60 in 6.6 seconds
Top speed: 153 mph
Price: £22,340

M Ledwidge

20-5-04