Golf 4 R32 DSG

VW Golf IV R32, the anti-reason Golf

As a competitor to the established top models from Audi (S), BMW (M) and Mercedes (AMG), VW is launching the Golf R32, a particularly attractive and powerful model.

After the Rallye Golf with 160 hp in 1988 and the VR6 Syncro with 190 hp in 1995 based on the 3rd generation, the Wolfsburg company went mad again with the Golf IV in 2002.

The “R” adorned with a checkered flag stands for “Racing”. The number 32 indicates the engine’s displacement. Still the basic unit in the luxury liner Phaeton, the 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine powers the compact Golf to true peak performance. Thanks to state-of-the-art four-valve technology and fully variable camshaft control, it delivers 241 hp and develops its maximum torque of 320 Nm from just 2,800 rpm. As standard, VW flanged the power unit to a six-speed gearbox; the 6-speed DSG was not added to the options list until 2003. The 4Motion all-wheel drive, which controls the engine power with a Haldex clutch, was always on board.

In a test by auto motor und sport (issue 19/2002), the most powerful Golf of all time sprinted to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds (manual transmission) and reached a top speed of 251 km/h. Its power potential was also evident in the high gears. Its power potential also comes to the fore in the higher gears: in the relatively short 6th gear, the R32 takes less than 10 seconds to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h. The R32 is a real powerhouse.

Picture Credit @Volkswagen AG