Vehicle: 2007 VW Golf R32
Price as tested: HK$398000

Performance: With 250 horses and 236 lb/ft of torque, latter available from 2800 to 3200 rpm. It is simply a delight to push this refined yet sporty powerplant at any rev range. When the maximum torque starts to arrive a 2800 rpm with 236 lb/ft of torque, one can even slips its tires even with the excellent Haldex all-wheel drive. On the other hand, 250 ponies never seem to run out of breath thanks to the advanced variable valve timing control. All these work together very nicely without losing the elegant power delivery one associates with Volkswagen powertrains. By the press of the sensitive throttle, the engine note is an entertaining tune with a sense of Teutonic solidity. All these matched up with the world’s finest sequential gearbox, VW’s Direct Shift Gearbox or DSG. Combined the best of the quickest shifting sequential with the wonderful engine, the whole performance package is nothing short of astounishing.

Handling: We have been impressed with the docile and enjoyable character of Mk5 GTI, the same goes for this latest R32. Unlike the lighter GTI 2.0T, this R32 has a twist. It got a nifty Haldex all-wheel drive which only activates when there is a wheel slippage on an offending wheel. It uses viscous coupling to monitors the wheelspin. Whenever it detects any slippage, it will sent all the power to the offending wheel. The Haldex system works hand-in-hand with the chassis, by providing sure-footness wet-weather traction with excellent dynamics. In terms of driving feel, this R32 aces it. The bonus has to go to the steering that provides plenty of feedback, it also weights up nicely. The best thing about R32′s electric power steering is it doesn’t feel featherweight on low speed. It weights up perfectly according to all driving conditions. On the other hand, the ride is firm and compliant. As one would expect from a performance-oriented hot hatch, ride quality feels a little bit firm on low-speed but getting soften at high speed. There are slight understeer when start to push into corners. However, one can still encounter oversteer as pushed R32 right into the edge.

Brakes: There are absoultely no complaint with R32′s braking system. The stopping distance is short and pedal is firm. ABS works flawlessly, as it doesn’t kick in unnecessarily before it actually needed.

Interior: VW has been highly regarded for building beautiful interiors, R32 is no exception. The biggest highlight of R32 is the Recaro sports seats. These seats hug the driver perfectly with extra shoulder and thigh supports. The rest of the interior is typical VW Golf fare. Great use of plastic and leather materials. Excellent ergonomics with functional instrumentation gauges.

The back seat is comfortable for 2 adults with plenty of head and legrooms. Rear passengers are able to slot their legs at the bottom of the front seats, which are bonus in a hatchback which is meant for practicality.

Another area where R32 aces is the amount of cargo space. Open the hatch, you will find the low liftover with 40/60 split fold-down rear seats. After the seats fold down, R’s cargo space is spacious enough to challenge those so-called crossovers.

Conclusion: Unlike the 130i we tested earlier, R32 is actually a versatile performance hatch. Along with great powertrain and handling, R has both space and grace too. In short, R32 has resetted the standard on how the performance hot hatch should be built. Just like its lesser silbiling, GTI, R32 has become the benchmark where others are judged on how to build the right car. And that is a very high praise indeed!!

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 VW GOLF R32
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 5/5