A New R32 Promises Porsche Levels of Performance When Volkswagen launched the original Golf R32 in August of 2002, it had concocted a recipe for success. Body kit, sports suspension, big wheels, and most importantly a 241-horsepower narrow-angle V6 engine made it a hit even bigger than VW imagined. More than three times the number of R32s originally intended were built, a sure sign that Volkswagen would return down the ultra-performance Golf road. Once production of the Mk.IV R32 had ended, there was much speculation to the following model, and in particular what engine would be used. It
| |
| The new range-topping Golf will be available in both three and five-door body styles. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada) |
was thought that to ensure total domination of the high-performance hot hatch market, VW would opt for a 280-horsepower narrow-angle 3.6-litre V6 (see Mk.VI Passat for details). Complete with permanent all-wheeldrive, and the globally-acclaimed DSG six-speed twin-clutch sequential manual gearbox, the proposed R36 would elevate the Golf nameplate to the level of Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution and Subaru's Impreza WRX STi. However, we were wrong - for Europe, at least. The new range-topping Golf, to be available in both three and five-door body styles has caught most off guard by retaining the R32 name, designating that the engine will continue to be 3.2 litres in displacement. The same narrow-angle V(R)6
| |
| The R32's engine will continue to be 3.2 litres in displacement. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada) |
engine is used, but it gains FSI direct injection, the same fuel-delivery technology used in many new VW and Audi engines. The performance and economy boosting fuel delivery system adds 10-horsepower to the engine, for a class-leading total of 250. Unlike its European rivals, the 250-horsepower Alfa Romeo 147 GTA, the 237-horsepower Opel Astra OPC, and the upcoming Mazda3 MPS (MazdaSpeed3), the Golf features all-wheel drive, with power directed through VW's Haldex-based 4Motion system. Drivers have a choice between two gearboxes: a short-throw six-speed manual, or as an option, the aforementioned six-speed twin-clutch actuated DSG sequential manual gearbox. With more power, more traction and more advanced transmissions, the new R32 is also one of the quickest Golfs ever, posting a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of just 6.2 seconds for DSG-equipped cars. Top speed is slightly higher at 250 km/h.