VW's Golf a rip snorter

It was a Claytons launch, the launch we did not really need to have – but no one was about to pass up a chance to drive Volkswagen's red hot Golf R32.

It's the Golf with a powerhouse 177kW V6, 4 MOTION all-wheel drive and a never-say-die set of brakes – the one they race.

Just the sound from the big bore twin pipes is enough to get your heart pumping.

Shop Volkswagen Golf Cars

Search all Volkswagen Golf cars

Search all Volkswagen Golf cars

Volkswagen Australia is only bringing 200 of the hot hatches into the country and 130 of them have already been sold, which leads one to believe it won't have much trouble getting rid of the rest.

Sadly, VW boss Peter Nochar revealed, even if it wanted more of the cars it could not get them because this is the company's entire allocation.

Why have a launch then? Well, the affable managing director explained, it's all to do with something called the "halo" effect. When you have a hero car like the R32, it not only raises the profile of the company but also draws buyers into other models.

In this case they'd probably be more affordable models because the R32 is not cheap at $63,000.

From a distance you can pick the R32 by its twin tail pipes, lower more aggressive stance and multi-spoke 18 inch wheels.

The 3.2-litre V6 produces 177kW of power at 6250rpm and 320Nm of torque from a low 2800rpm.

The engine runs on high grade 98 RON premium unleaded and is hooked up to a close ratio, six-speed manual transmission.

Weighing in at 1477kg, it's enough to catapult the car from 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 247km/h.

The R32 sits 20mm lower than a garden-variety Golf, with race tuned suspension and 334mm front and 256mm rear disc brakes.

Each of the 200 cars is numbered with an identifying plaque and special key ring, as well as a special emergency card for owners.

"It's kind of aggressive and understated at the same time – it's really clever," Mr Nochar said.

Electronic stability control is standard and helps keep the car glued firmly to the road, but can be switched off by enthusiastic drivers.

Inside the the R32 boasts Konig sports leather seats and a high level of standard equipment including in-dash six-stack CD player, front, side and curtain airbags, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.

The R32's direct competitor is the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA.

The GTA's 3.2-litre V6 in comparison produces 184kW of power at 6200rpm and 300Nm of torque at 4800rpm.

Weighing in at 1360kg it has a top speed of 246km/h and can spring from 0-100km/h in a slightly faster 6.3 seconds.

There's very little between the two cars in terms of real performance.

However, the VW's all-wheel drive would quickly separate the two cars in the wet.

We have driven the Alfa and can report it is an exciting drive.

And, after a brief test drive and few short laps of the Gold Coast's Darlington Park circuit we can also report the R32 is just as exciting.

The car is a rip snorter, with high levels of adhesion and impressive braking.

Both the pedals and a gear shift have a surprisingly light action.

The gear shift is at times notchy, with some gates difficult to find – but this should disappear over time.

Turn off stability control and the car remains extremely well balanced, easily controlled through the throttle and a bit of opposite lock.

The front brakes were literally smoking after our blast around the race circuit but refused to fade.

So, what's it to be – the VW or the Alfa? In the end, buyers will be drawn to both cars for different reasons but neither is likely to disappoint.