Used Volkswagen Golf review: 2006-2008

VW claims responsibility for the hot hatch, which is a fair-enough boast when you remember that the Golf GTi kick started the movement back in the 1970s. Given its history it's not surprising then that VW pushed the hot hatch boundaries as other carmakers joined in the party with their own GTi clones. The R32 was VW's attempt to build the ultimate luxury hatch, one that would offer a very different, but still exhilarating driving experience to the GTi.

MODEL WATCH

The Golf GTi has always been the hot hatch benchmark; it was the first and remains the one that comes to mind first when the chat turns to hot hatches. But in the wake of the GTi's success other carmakers have jumped into the fray with their own versions of the VW formula and the class has become rather saturated with choices.

While the sizzling hot turbocharged front-wheel drive GTi retains pole position in the class, and delivers the sort of performance petrolheads lust after, the R32 offered a more refined driving experience. It actually irked VW that the R32 was described as a hot hatch; it saw it as a ‘luxury class saloon’, one that offered a unique blend of performance and refinement. Unfortunately for the company to most eyes it looked like a hot hatch, so that's what it was. Badges aside there were few visual clues to identify an R32 from a distance; it looked pretty much like any other Golf.

VW, however, was of the view that the unique aluminium-look grille, extra air intakes in the front bumper, and twin polished stainless steel exhaust outlets were enough to make it stand out. If the skin appeared little different from the rest of the range what lay under the skin was quite a different story.

For starters the engine was a 3.2-litre double overhead camshaft V6 that put out 184kW at 6300 revs along with 310Nm between 2500 and 3000 revs. To put that into some sort of context a turbocharged GTi at the time boasted 147kW and 280Nm. The R32 also differed from the GTi in the drive it employed. Whereas a GTi was conventional front-wheel drive, the R32 used VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive system. 4Motion used a Haldex mechanical coupling that was controlled electronically to give the best possible grip in all conditions. VW also reset the suspension to cope with the extra zip of the R32, which sat lower than a GTi, had uprated springs and shocks, and rolled on larger, 18-in, alloy wheels.

In line with VW's pitch that the R32 was a luxury sedan it came with automatic air-conditioning, leather seats, rain-sensing wipers and bi- xenon headlamps.

IN THE SHOP

VW build quality is generally of a high standard with good fit and finish inside and out. Few issues concern R32 owners, the car's mechanical package is sound and well proven, including the 4Motion drive system. The main issue that eventually surfaces on this, and most other Euro cars, is brake wear. European cars are renowned for the rate of wear on both discs and pads and owners get quite a shock when presented with a bill that is usually quite substantial, and often at quite kays. Servicing is important so check for a credible service record that confirms regular oil and filter changes.

ON THE ROAD

The R32 faced an uphill battle to convince buyers to spend the extra dollars needed over a GTi when the GTi was such a great car. That wasn't to suggest that the R32 couldn't hold its own on the road; it could do the 0-100km/h sprint in a creditable 6.5 seconds. Given its head it would cover ground very quickly, with a finely balanced chassis and great grip on the road. But being more luxury focussed the R32 did the job with little fuss; it was smooth, refined and comfortable.

IN A CRASH

The R32 packed plenty of safety gear with front, side and curtain airbags for the ultimate protection in the event of a crash. Before the crunch came there were electronic stability control, anti- skid brakes, traction control and electronic diff lock to stave off trouble at the wheel.

AT THE PUMP

Like all performance cars the fuel consumption of the R32 is highly dependent on the way it's driven. Road testers tend to be rather heavy on the throttle, using up whatever performance is available under the right foot. With that in mind road testers at the time of the R32's launch reported average fuel consumption of 11.5-12.5 L/100km.

LOOK FOR

• Sizzling performance
• All-wheel drive grip
• Compact dimensions
• Luxury refinement
• Thirsty V6
• Innocuous looks.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Great driving hatch, but why bother when the GTi delivers more thrill for less money.

RATING: 70/100