These days, the mighty Golf R reigns supreme as King of the Golfs, but just over a decade ago, things we a little different. While the Golf GTI has always been the quintessential hot hatch, but 30 years into its life, Volkswagen decided to unleash a true powerhouse on the South African market.
It was of course the GTI’s big, bad brother - the VW Golf R32. Originally released in 2007, only 200 were imported by Volkswagen Group South Africa for their first year of release, and a handful the following year, making it an incredibly rare sight on our roads – even today. South Africa didn’t get the Golf IV R32 – which followed on from the Golf III VR6 - so when the R32 arrived, it was greeted with a resounding round of applause from VAG-heads.
While the Golf V GTI made do with a 2.0-turbocharged motor that produced 147kw, the R32 was powered by something very different. The R32 used a re-tuned version of the naturally aspirated V6 engine that first enthralled VW fans in the Golf III VR6. And while naturally aspirated Golf’s have often been disappointing to a certain degree, the 3.2-litre V6 in the R32 packed not only a solid punch, but a sonorous V6 note like no other. 184kw and 320nm available from just 2,800rpm were impressive figures.
The motor was paired exclusively with a 6-speed DSG, and power was sent to all four-wheels via a Haldex-based 4MOTION system that usually sends 90% of the power to the front wheels, while the Haldex clutch was capable of transferring as much power to the rear as was necessary. It also featured a ‘launch control’ system that only allowed the “clutch” to be dropped at around 3,000rpm, enabling the 0-100kph dash to be completed in a claimed 6.2 seconds. VWSA went onto claim that their nearly 1.6 ton ‘Heavyweight-Golf’ would reach a top speed of just under 250kph.
On the road, the R32 had a very refined and smooth power band - and it goes without saying – an incredibly intoxicating soundtrack. It was an incredibly amount of fun – but sadly – weighing over 250kgs more than the GTI was always going to handicap the nose-heavy R32 – no matter how much power it had. As a result, it just wasn’t a big enough step over the Golf GTI in terms of performance.
Performance aside, as if its stonking motor wasn’t enough to set it apart from the GTI, it featured one of the most tasteful body kits ever seen on a VW. Instead of the red-lined black honeycomb grill found on the GTI, the R32 sported an all-aluminium version of the family nose, with a sportier front bumper with deep vents on either side, and a rear bumper with an integrated diffuser and twin centre-mounted pipes – that went on to become arguably the most replicated rear bumper in the history of the automobile.
Complementing the racy look were more pronounced arches, blue brake calipers paired with 345mm ventilated discs up front, unique multispoke 18-inch alloy wheels, and dark tinted rear light clusters. The upmarket interior was befitting of a flagship model, with just about everything covered in high-quality leather.
When it launched in 2007, it was marketed as a true drivers car, hence its price tag of R344 000 – roughly R90K more than the GTI. While it was positioned above the GTI, it did end up fighting against the similarly-engined A3 3.2 Quattro, and the S3 – much like how the Golf R and S3 compete today. A decade-ago though, this epitomized what a super-hot-hatch was.
Also worth a look: the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Touareg.
FAQ
Q: What does the Volkswagen Golf R32 cost in South Africa?
A decent Golf R32 will set you back between R280,000 and R350,000 depending on mileage and condition, with pristine low-kilometre examples pushing closer to R400,000 due to their rarity.
Q: Is the Volkswagen Golf R32 worth buying?
Absolutely, if you can find one in good nick and don't mind the maintenance costs, the R32 is a future classic with that glorious V6 soundtrack and proper all-wheel-drive grip that modern turbo Golfs just can't match.
Q: How reliable is the Golf R32 compared to other hot hatches?
The R32 is generally more reliable than its turbo siblings since the naturally aspirated V6 has fewer things to go wrong, but expect higher maintenance costs due to the complex 4MOTION system and DSG gearbox servicing every 40,000km.
Q: What's the difference between the Golf R32 and Golf GTI?
The R32 packs a 3.2-litre V6 producing 184kW versus the GTI's 2.0-litre turbo four with 147kW, plus the R32 gets all-wheel-drive 4MOTION, DSG-only transmission, and that legendary VR6 sound that'll make your neighbours jealous.
Q: How fast is the Golf R32 in South Africa?
Volkswagen claimed 6.2 seconds to 100kph and a top speed just under 250kph, making it properly quick even by today's standards, especially considering it weighs nearly 1.6 tonnes.
Should You Buy It?
The best rare hot hatch under R350,000 in South Africa is definitely the Golf R32, and yes, you absolutely should buy one if you can find a good example. With only around 200 brought to SA, this is your chance to own a piece of Volkswagen history that sounds like nothing else on the road. That naturally aspirated 3.2-litre V6 produces a soundtrack that modern turbo motors simply can't replicate, while the 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system gives you grip that'll embarrass many so-called supercars. Budget around R300,000 for a solid example, but don't hesitate if you find a pristine one for R350,000 or slightly more, these are only getting rarer and more valuable. Just make sure you've got deep pockets for maintenance and a good relationship with a VAG specialist, because keeping this German heavyweight happy isn't cheap.
