2006 Volkswagen Golf R32

The Volkswagen Golf has always had a sport side that VW has done their best to capitalize on. Despite its humble beginnings as an entry-level economy car, the small hatch has seen several performance editions throughout the years. The most popular of these has been the GTI, with recent models offering over 200 horsepower from a variety of 4 cylinder turbo and normally aspirated V6 engines.

While the GTI was a lot of fun to drive and had lots of potential from a tuning perspective, it was in no danger of being confused with a super car. North American buyers were unhappy to hear that in Europe, there was an even faster version of the Golf being produced known as the R32, a vehicle with gobs of power, all wheel drive and a serious performance edge. As a result of popular demand, the R32 eventually made it to American shores and was a huge hit with Golf drivers.

For 2006, Volkswagen released their most powerful R32 ever. With 250 horsepower from a 3.2 liter V6 engine (hence the R32 badge), the 2006 Golf R32 can launch itself to sixty miles per hour in 6.4 seconds – not bad for a hatchback. The V6 engine has been lifted from the Toureg sport utility vehicle, and it is a good fit for this small yet somewhat heavy compact car. The R32 also comes with the option of a standard 6 speed manual transmission or a special dual clutch semi-automatic transmission. The manual tranny has more of a fun factor associated with it, but the DSG automatic is actually slightly faster, thanks to the dual clutches providing quicker gear changes. The R32 remains all-wheel drive, eliminating the torque steer that was somewhat of an issue with the GTI models, and putting excellent traction and launch control in the hands of the driver.

Following the redesign of the entire Golf line, the R32 bears a fresh, more aggressive look, especially on the front end. A larger, Audi-like grille extends in a U-shape from the hood down to the bottom of the large, painted front bumper. This new front helps to set it apart from the standard Golf and Golf GTI. Bi-Xenon headlights illuminate the road and large air ducts located at the grille’s bottom suck in plenty of cold oxygen for the ravenous V6. Out back, a large spoiler helps keep the car stable at high speeds, and 18 inch wheels and blue-painted brake calipers help complete the upscale look. The entire car is an inch lower than a standard Golf, as a result of the more aggressively tuned suspension.

The interior of the Golf R32 is also more accommodating than that of the base level. The R32 comes standard with air conditioning, an upgraded sound system, auto-dimming mirrors, tire pressure monitor and electronic stability control. A leather wrapped steering wheel and special sport seats coddle the driver, and aluminum accents can be found throughout the cabin, including racing-style brake, clutch and gas pedals.

While the R32 may be powerful, it is also heavy. Coming in at 3500 lbs, the R32 has a similar mass to many mid-size cars, due in no small part to the rising weight of safety equipment and luxury features that buyers have come to expect from modern vehicles. The 3.2 liter V6 is up to the task of motivating the slightly portly Golf, as the 155 mile per hour top speed would suggest, but in terms of using the car on a track, the 2006 Volkswagen Golf R32 finds itself at somewhat of a handicap compared to lighter vehicles. That being said, the R32 is the ultimate expression of Volkswagen’s Golf line, and it will surprise many people at stoplights all over America.






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May 15, 2008, 8:37 am