VW Golf R32

Posted on November 20, 2007 12:00 AM

250 bhp, 6-speed DSG automatic transmission, 4-wheel drive, 248 km/h top speed, 0 – 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds… mouth-watering specs? They’re for the new VW Golf R32, the second-fastest production model in VW’s current range, now available in Malaysia. Priced at RM302,618.50 (without insurance), the R32 is said to be the first of the high-performance ‘R’ variants which will be introduced here.

3.2-litre narrow angle V6 now delivers 250 bhp

18-inch alloy wheels are also
found on Phaeton flagship

“The introduction of the “R” series to Malaysian consumers is timely as it allows Volkswagen customers and car enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy the mastery of power that is behind the “R” series, beginning with the Golf R32,” said Karen Cheng-Yoong, Director of PR & Marketing Communications at VW Group Malaysia (VGM).

The Golf R32 now available in Malaysia is the successor to the original R32 which was available with the previous Golf generation (Mk 4). Back then, in 2002, it had a 240 ps VR6 engine that made it one of the hottest hatchbacks on the road. Like the GTI when it was first launched, the R32 sold like hotcakes – three times more than what was expected.

The new Golf R32, which uses the Mark 5 platform, offers more power and improvements in chassis and bodywork. From the front, the R32 is immediately recognizable by its unique aluminum-effect shield-shaped radiator grille. At the top of the grille are double aluminium cross struts and under the numberplate, there is a large airscoop for the powerful 3.2-litre V6 engine which has a narrow angle. Two more large openings on each side of the shield-shaped radiator grille provide additional air and there are also air ducts at the bottom and on either side of the front bumper, the air ducts continue into the side skirt all the way along to the rear bumper.

The rear of the R32 is distinguished by also a diffuser which is in black. The two round tailpipes made of polished stainless steel are placed centrally next to each other and are integrated prominently in the rear bumper.

Huge 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted, these being of the ‘Omanyt’ design which is also found on the Phaeton (apparently, they cost 2000 pounds per set in the UK).

The sporty concept of the R32 permeates the entire car with distinctive instrumentation (300 km/h speedometer!), “Star Wars”-style sports seats for the front occupants, pedals with an aluminium look and special applications that emphasize the sporty nature of the Golf.

The R32 also boasts of a dazzling array of standard equipment such as dual-zone automatic air conditioning (Climatronic), the RCD 500 “Volkswagen Sound” system with analog 8-channel amplifier (250W total output) and 10 speakers optimally located around the cabin.

A multifunction display keeps the driver informed of what’s happening during the journey and a rain sensor automatically activates the wipers. With tyre pressure being crucial for handling and grip, a tyre pressure monitor is fitted as standard to alert the driver when there is a leak and bi-xenon headlights (for low and high beam) light up the road ahead for more confident driving at night.


Dashboard is similar to GTI but has a few different trim features	Speedometer reads up to 300 km/h!

A car with this much power can be a handful to drive and to help the driver, there’s an electronic stabilization programme (ESP, which acts to neutralize skids in corners), Brake Assist, ABS and also an electronic differential lock (EDL) supplemented by Traction Control to keep the car under control in slippery conditions.

The Golf R32 was awarded 5/5 stars in independent EuroNCAP frontal, side, and pole crash tests and is equipped with driver and front passenger airbags (with front passenger airbag deactivation); curtain airbags for front and rear occupants and side airbags for front occupants.

According to Ms Cheng-Yoong, the R32 is available on 'dealer order' which means that VGM will order cars as and when required. However, she revealed that in the initial period, VGM has imported quite a number of units - more than what the dealers, who are optimistic and excited about selling the model - so anyone who orders one tomorrow can have it as an early Christmas present. It is also known that at least two customers will be taking delivery of their R32s this week.

She added that around 50% of the nearly 700 VWs officially sold in 2007 were the Golf GTI model, perhaps making Malaysia the largest GTI market in ASEAN.