2006 Volkswagen Golf R32 Road Test
September 12, 2006 by Alborz Fallah

Test model: 2006 Volkswagen Golf R32, five-door with DSG
Options fitted:
- Electric glass sunroof – $1621.00 – OK, I’d think about it
- Satellite navigation system with CD changer – $2436.00 – No, I’d buy a portable touch screen unit for less than $1000.00
- Electrically adjustable driver’s seat – $725 – No, the manual system works too well
- Parking distance sensors – $644 – Yes, but why aren’t they standard on the R32
Recommended Retail Price: $58,460
On Road Price: $64,061
Where it sits: The top of the tree in the Golf range.
A bit of history: The R32 was first launched in 2002 and was considered one of the hottest cars on the road with its 177kW engine. Worldwide demand was way more than was originally planned, with over 14,000 sold between 2002-2004. In Australia, all 200 imports were sold and after driving this car, I can only hope that Volkswagen have plenty of stock of the new R32, this time round.
HOW IT GOES
It wasn’t easy taking the R32 back to Volkswagen. The most powerful Golf ever built, is a sophisticated, high performance ride, which your Grandmother could drive. Yes, it’s that good.

From the moment you fire up the R32 engine, your ears tell you full well, that there’s something a little angry under the bonnet of this car. What we have here, is a 3.2L V6 which will deliver a respectable 184 kW (250bhp for the older crew) and a peak of 320 Nm of torque, between 2,500 and 3,000 rpm. The problem is, this engine plays such a sweet tune that more often than not, you’ll find yourself driving with the windows down and the CD player off!
No question, this R32 with its 4Motion and DSG set-up, is a quick thing. In the Northern Territory, you’ll hit a scary 250km/h and the benchmark 0 to 100km/h sprint in just 6.2 seconds although, on the road, I reckon it feels a little quicker than this.
It’s not just the speed and acceleration though; the silk smooth delivery of power and the astonishingly quick gear changes via Volkswagen’s Direct Shift Gearbox make this car one of the best performance drives of the year. It’s just so user friendly. There’s nothing like the sensation of driving a six speed manual with a close ratio gearbox, but that’s only true if you haven’t driven with a DSG transmission. It is truly a work of art, which will probably end up in the Louvre, alongside the original Range Rover, once all car makers adopt this technology and bury the old school automatic.
DSG explained
Direct Shift Gearbox is a dual-clutch automated manual gearbox, which shifts gears faster than Michael Schumacher could ever hope to. With two clutches and a two-part transmission shaft operating different gears, the DSG never takes a rest. For example, when you select “D” for drive, first gear is selected by one clutch, and second gear is pre-selected by the other clutch. This produces an almost seamless gear change with little or no loss of power between shifts. The DSG is currently on board the Bugatti Veyron (the world’s fastest car) and is said to feature in the much anticipated Audi Supercar, the R8.

Although you can also change gears manually on the R32 using a set of steering wheel mounted paddles, there’s no point really. Just select “S” for Sport and the DSG will run to almost redline in every gear with a little bonus on the way down. When braking hard on the approach to a corner, the R32 will automatically down shift with a delightful double clutch song, enabling you to power out of the corner in the perfect gear ratio.
What’s even more astonishing (sorry about the use of superlatives) is the way this car lays to the power down in the wet. Quite simply, the R32 has got more grip than a bucket full of starving leeches, no matter what the road conditions are. No doubt, the Haldex four-wheel drive system has a big part to play in the way this car performs in the ‘grip’ department, as it electronically distributes power to all four wheels or wherever it’s needed, thus avoiding any loss of traction or hint of torque steer.
HOW IT HANDLES
One thing Volkswagen has achieved with the new Mark V Golf Chassis, is a very good balance between ride comfort and cornering ability and the R32, applies this and then some. For a car with cornering limits this high, speed bumps and potholes are soaked up without fuss, despite riding on ultra-low profile 225/40 rubber and 18 inch (Zolder) alloys. It doesn’t seem to matter how much throttle you give this car into a corner, it will hold its line and frankly, the only place you could safely and legally explore its limitations, is on a race track.

Compared to the Golf GTI, the steering feels slightly heavier and that seems to work well in the R32 given the additional weight you are carrying with a V6. You’ll notice the blue brake callipers which sit on top of some very large vented brake discs. These units are designed by Volkswagen and provide Brembo-like stopping power with little or no brake fade after heavy use.
In and out of corners, it’s hard to go wrong in the R32, given the technology built into the vehicle. You get: 4Motion all-wheel drive, ABS, ASR, EBA, EBD and ESP, which all come together to make this car, performance friendly.
I’ve driven both the Japanese bad boys, Mitsubishi’s EVO 1X and Subaru’s WRX STI and I’m comfortable in saying that the R32 has the power and agility to at least keep up with these demons on any sort of twisty stretch, whilst providing an infinitely more comfortable ride.
STYLING
Standing behind the R32 for the first time, you’d be excused for thinking that a reputable after-market performance tuning company had got to work on the standard Golf and produced something a little special. First off, you’ll notice that this car has been lowered (by 20mm over the standard Golf). Secondly, two very large polished stainless exhaust pipes are a giveaway along with the purposeful 18 inch multi-spoked Zolder alloys.

From all other angles, the subtle brush has been applied to the R32, such as the deeper colour coded side skirts and Jetta style front grille, although this is a polished stainless look, rather than chrome. There is no ‘Golf’ badging anywhere just R32 on the front and rear of the car. Noticeably missing, are front driving/fog lights found on lesser Golf models, but don’t worry, they’ve been replaced by a set of Bi-Xenon headlights, which could provide enough light for a night game at the MCG. Incidentally, Bi-Xenon means that both the low beam and high beam lights are Xenon powered.
BEHIND THE WHEEL
Inside the R32, it’s familiar territory if you’ve spent some time in the current Golf GTI. However, there are a few features which are unique to this car, such as the milled aluminium strips that you’ll find along the doors panels, dash, and around the centre console, which add a prestige look. Careful attention has been paid to the design and function of the large foot pedals, which are polished alloy with rubber inlays and work a treat, if you’re lucky enough to be behind the wheel of this car. The switchgear and instrumentation is pretty much of the same high quality you’ll find in other Golf models although, you do get some cool blue transparent needles which sweep all dials. Nice.

The standard leather sports seats are from the Golf GTI and are as good as you get in performance cars. However, if you reckon you need even more side bolster than these, and I don’t, then you could go for the optional Recaro Racing Seats which do look sensational, but at over $3,000 you might have second thoughts.
The proper sports steering wheel is also lifted from the GTI, and is a superb three-spoke model with a Formula One style flat bottom incorporating audio and trip functions along with gear shift paddles.
INTERIOR COMFORT
The R32 is a luxury ride, no question. The standard Golf with leather upholstery is a nice place to be, but the R32 comes locked and loaded with a bunch of techno toys that sort this model out from the rest of the range.

The inventory of standard features is way too long to list, but the goodies include; Dual Zone electronic climate control with dust and pollen filter, Automatic dimming rear view mirror, Automatic headlights on – with coming/leaving home function (when you hit the remote unlock or lock button the headlights light up for a set time) 8 Channel 250W amplifier with 10 speakers and 6 disc changer (definitely better than my Yamaha home system) Chillable glove box and rain sensing wipers. All the other creature comforts are there such as front an rear cup holders and 12V sockets, but one thing you don’t get, is electric folding side mirrors, mandatory if you go anywhere near a shopping centre these days.

SPACE, STORAGE AND PRACTICALITY
The five-door R32 in comparison to the three-door version is much more than just a luxury hot hatch. It can comfortably transport 2 adults and 3 kids to the shopping mall or convert to a small station wagon by folding the rear seat backs down. There are heaps of thoughtful storage areas throughout the car and the load space behind the rear seats particularly large. The interior is well lit with individual map reading/games playing lights at both ends, together with foot well illumination up the front. There’s also the little things in the R32 (and much of it in the standard Golf) like proper grab handles all round so you can close the doors with ease and the separate bookshelf in the glove box for the owner’s manual, so you can still fit a couple of cokes in there to chill, that make this car the inspired all rounder it is. You won’t even need a bottle opener, it comes with one!
SAFETY FEATURES
In days gone by, performance cars were lucky if they came with a seatbelt. These days, there’s a vast array of safety features built in to these cars and the R32 gets the lot. Airbags include; Driver and front passenger airbags, Driver and front passenger side airbags and Curtain airbags, front and rear.

As we all know, airbags might save your life in a crash but it’s the active safety features which can help you avoid the crash in the first place and again, the R32 has these systems in spades. You get Anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Pressure Distribution and Brake assist in the stopping department. In the Traction control area, the car is fitted with Anti-Slip regulation, Electronic Stabilisation Program and 4Motion all-wheel drive and that’s about as good as it gets in any price performance car.
Front seatbelts are height adjustable with pre-tensioners and belt force limiters while three-point seatbelts are fitted times three in the rear.
For kids, there are three child seat anchor points along with ISOFIX anchorages which although a standard in Europe due to their ease of fit and added safety benefits, have not been embraced here in Australia for reasons which require some investigation.
COST OF OWNERSHIP
At $58,460 with the DSG, the R32 is a bargain when compared to its closest rival, the rear-wheel-drive BMW 130i Sport with a 6-speed automatic box, which will cost you $65,800.
If you don’t have kids, then the three-door R32 with DSG at $57,238 is a no brainer.
Given the 2006 R32 is quite a few thousand cheaper than the previous Mk 1V edition and loaded with way more wizardry, Volkswagen Australia should sell comfortably higher numbers than the previous model, assuming they have the stock, that is.
If you’re lucky enough to afford one of these beauties, it’s doubtful that you’ll want to coast around without occasionally exploring the many talents this car is blessed with. If that be the case, I’m not sure that the combined fuel consumption figure of 9.8L/100km is all that relevant as is, the fact that the R32 like the good stuff.
COLOURS
There are only four exclusive colours on offer with the R32 (Deep Blue, Black Magic, Reflex Silver and United Grey) and I’d be happy with any one of them.
MY OPINION
If you’re looking for a performance car, a luxury car, a family car, and a safe car at the right price, then look no further than the Volkswagen Golf R32.
By Anthony Crawford.







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I have an r32, I test drove the s3 twice, i felt the r32 was more drivable better power down out of corners greater handling and stability, bigger inside,4 doors is great for me,i liked r32 dash layout better, comes down to how you feel when you drive the cars really, take both for a good drive and see how you feel.
Thanks Steve, will do
Hi Tony,
I have an MY08 R32, my partner has an MY08 S3 so I drive both on a daily basis.
Here are my pros and cons for both cars:
R32 Pros: – Amazing exhaust note
– Low down acceleration
– Passenger mirror dips when reverse is engaged – handy for not kerbing rims when parking.
– Interior almost identical to GTI – although the speedo/tacho look ultra cool with their blue lit needles
– Grip from AWD – they use the same AWD system so they are pretty similar in this regard.
R32 Cons: – Fuel consumption – I average 13L/100 but generally only do inner Melbourne driving. I don’t drive to conserve fuel, I drive to have fun. On the highway I get 7.9L/100.
S3 Pros: – Amazing interior.
– Very exclusive.
– Better AUDI service than VW dealerships – although my VW experience has been pretty good, only downside was it took longer to get to me from Patricks (docks).
– Better high end acceleration. A real flyer high up in the rev range.
– We have ours in white and it looks pretty amazing from the outside.
S3 Cons: – Ordinary exhaust note. (When compared with the R)
– Cost over R32, although its alot more exclusive.
– Less low down acceleration than R32.
– Only two door and its a pain in the arse to stash things in the back seat. (My R32 is 5Dr)
– “BOSE” stereo shouldn’t be considered high end…its OK but not as good as other BOSE car system I have heard.
To sum up…both are great 10/10 cars. If you are tall like me 6ft5 then grab the R32, alot more roomier. We have the S3 optioned with a sunroof and my head JUST clears the roof.
Hope that helps!
Steve.
Further to previous comment, that interior similarity to the GTI was supposed to be a con. The interior on the R is nice…but its not in the same ball park as his S3.
Also – no room for gym water bottles in the S3. (I can’t believe that one!)
Also x2 – the Bluetooth system in the Audi is AMAZING. Full functionality, phone book access, voice recognition. Wipes the R32 bluetooth system.
Take 2…..further to previous comment…..there is a cupholder in the S3 but you lose the centre console armrest…..would have made more sense to create cupholder/gym bottle holder grooves in the door skins similar to the way VW did in the R.
Thanks SteveR32.
I have a test drive lined up of both this week, so will get a sense of what you are talking about “live”.
Looking forward to it!!!!
No worries mate – enjoy! They really are terrific little cars for the money.
hi am deya am lovely golf r32 gti passat because very beatiful and sport motor am lovely golf ful aption
SteveR32
How many K’s are you getting on a full tank?
Hi Donnie,
To be honest mate, I haven’t really checked! hehe
I will try it out with my next tank of fuel.
According to the trip computer I average 12.5l/100 but I know that that can be out of whack so will assess my next tank for you.
That seems excessive but I don’t exactly drive to conserve fuel.
On the highway I get down to 7.8ish which is great for this type of car.
Steve.
Further to my previous post. I have done 9000k’s on my R32 so the engine will be well run in.
Hi There
I have my08 3 door R32, wondered if anyone can tell me if the latest releases come standard with the new cd player with the LCD screen even if you do not take the satnav option?
Also can you get them in white now? they are that good i am thinking of going for another one for the family 5 door.
Hi
I get 530-550km out of a tank of fuel mainly city driving. By the way i dont flog my car like some clowns that drive r32’s. yes you can get white now.
My only con is road noise on coarse chip WA roads. The great pro is the linear push and the grip – especially in the wet, truly amazing – or watching v8’s give up in fear in the rain.
The R32 will retain more value than a GTI because there will be no other V6 powered Golf in the future, the VR6 (R32’s predecessor) and R32 will be the only ones because of more stringent emission laws and taxes coming into place in the near future to not justify the production of V6 powered small cars, unfortunately.
Definitely a modern classic, if you can afford it over a GTI then you will not regret it one bit!
In regards of the quality and reliability of the R32, who gives a !@#$, for a soulless A to B car of course that matters, but in this category people who care about that are geeks/dorks or whatever and should be driving a soulless geekmobile, duh!
I purchased my R32 in June 07.
Went for the DSG, after being a manual driver all my life. Personally i think the DSG offers the best of both worlds once you know how to use it !
Car had a few issues with at first with noisy brake calipers, and a steering rack which needed to be replaced one week after owning the car !!!
Also rattles coming from the door skins and speakers.
Apart from these minor, niggly things, the car has awesome performance, it feels very solid, and packs a lot of bang per buck. There is no use comparing this car to a golf GTI, its a totally different car depsite the looks.
This car has the feel of a more expensive car.
Pity they are not going to make it any more. I was looking forward to a more suped up version, maybe a golf r32 RS or something, nevermind, this car will become a classic.
highly recommended.
What octane petrol 95 or 98 for R32?
Beautiful Car, beautiful. Nothing faster up the Macquarie Pass.