Was This Peak VW? | The Volkswagen Golf R32! | Driven+

The Volkswagen Golf R32 is already a modern classic, but they are still at a very affordable price point to invest!
These are one of the best sounding hot hatchbacks of all time!
Massive thanks to Gareth for the car!
#volkswagen #golfr32 #vwgolf

[@jimmyc1337]

deeply regret selling my 3 door DPB manual Mk5 R32… what a fantastic car she was

[@andreannagall7871]

I have a tornado red one and I swear I’ll have that car until I die. So many people have offered to buy it but I refuse 🥲

[@darylmorse]

This really was an iconic car. I love the clean and simple lines of the body. The engine is a little down on horsepower relative to the modern R, but it sounds fantastic.

[@DrivenPlus]

Couldn't agree more!

[@keithronson2624]

Max and Gareth, yes ICONIC! Absolute classic. VW at it's very best. Even now a head turner. Classic. Still looks modern. Something very special. Thank You. Amazing car. And yes like you a 'soft spot' for VW. And yes one day an Up GTi for sure.

[@DrivenPlus]

You’re very right Keith, thanks for the comment as always!

[@Hu_Mi]

GTI's place is different

[@user-so9pk1bk9i]

One of the best reviews of one of the best cars… love it mate

[@Mrcurlywhirly]

VW created a classic with the MKV R32, the mechanical combination is excellent, the package of gocart level sport suspension with the meaty VR6 engine is absolutely brilliant. The R32 is a very 'planted' car to drive, luxurious interior and very much dual personality, either cruise effortlessly or push it, though it remains very controlled - most unlike its more edgy GTi cousin. We have the 3dr DSG '07 model, with only 45k KMs on it, the good is great, though owning it has not all been a bed of roses.

[@DrivenPlus]

Totally agree, everything is right with this car

[@RB12377]

Car was slow stage 1 destroyed it

[@Hu_Mi]

My favorite hot hatch for real mate

[@Hu_Mi]

Balkans are trying to get drunk too😂

[@ecosmart2841]

Just subscribed a BMW man myself but the consistency of your content is bang on 💪🏽

[@DrivenPlus]

Thanks for the kind comment! Plenty more on its way 😎

[@roberts5368]

Just bought a black mk5 r32, 06 plate manual. Can't wait to experience what this car is all about! Pick it up in 4 weeks

[@Tom-xy3wz]

I absolutely love the R32 that soundtrack you could never get bored of.

[@DrivenPlus]

You’re completely right!

[@joep4224]

A great example, credit to the owner. Cool video, and I totally agree with the conclusion. It's understated and timeless, and that engine note is soul.

[@DrivenPlus]

Well said!

[@hamidq9547]

I bought one last year to replace an e46 M3 which I didn’t use much. This is a great car - understand looks and a brilliant engine note. I absolutely love it.

[@Hu_Mi]

Don't forget W12 6.0 tuareg

[@RichardJones-et5we]

I like the honest review and passion! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@DrivenPlus]

I appreciate that!

[@ajkr32]

Brilliant video! I’ve had my mk5 R32 for over 2 years now, mine also has a milltek and the sound is truly addictive! Shame VW didn’t continue the VR6 production in later models.

[@DrivenPlus]

Thank you! It is a great shame but the 2L in the new stuff is still good but doesn’t sound as good as the VR6 of course

[@marshallmarthes]

Love the samosa reference

[@elliotmeek3375]

Brilliant video! I have a Mk5 GTI and can confirm it is also a superb car

[@DrivenPlus]

Nice one!

[@critic3001]

Good review mate

[@DrivenPlus]

Thanks mate 🙏🏼

[@Ukgyt99]

Had a 2008 Loved it The Valeo rear lights looked absolutely nuts. Traded for Mk7 R. 2018

[@kevinvandorst]

Trade it back while you still can 😅

[@Ukgyt99]

@@kevinvandorst was in 2019😂

[@tomb988]

Great review! Just bought my 2nd R32 recently. Getting tougher to find a nice one 👍

[@DrivenPlus]

Thank you and enjoy it!

[@Hu_Mi]

Very good video bro got me sleeping

[@DrivenPlus]

Thank you!

[@noshism]

Not just VW, this is best car any manufacturer ever made. You can keep your Porsches and Ferraris.

[@Kdyso]

Bought my second one in reflex silver after regretting selling my black 32 will never sell this one what a car… great video 🔥

[@DrivenPlus]

Thank you! Never sell it!

[@piero2611]

Well presented sir 👏

[@DrivenPlus]

Thank you! Much appreciated

[@Golfgtiguy]

That's a beautiful car . I think the gti and R type Golfs look best as a 2 door .Very nice .

[@martijnreekmans6171]

Great review! Got a 5dr DBP manual since 2 years, the best choice I’ve ever made. You’re just happy in advance, knowing you’re going to start up the engine. Prices are more then double here in Belgium. Went up 4K in the last 2 years. Still the best sound for your buck! Gas mileage is terrible, but when you hear that exhaust, you just don’t care anymore.

[@DrivenPlus]

Thank you! Wow! Looks like they might start going up soon then

[@3for4PA]

How many Kilometers or Miles was ON it when you PURCHASED it🤔

[@martijnreekmans6171]

135k km’s at the time. Now at 142k I think.

[@lukelewis1535]

I think a video like this on the fiesta ST will gain a lot of traction 😏 this video screams pure class

[@DrivenPlus]

Thanks Luke! I’m guessing you have a Fiesta ST?

[@alanmckie653]

Great video

[@DrivenPlus]

Thanks!

[@MiguCuba]

6speed dsg … not 7speed before mark vii

[@chriskarn4718]

Correct! Although my dsg R32 could do with another cog at times !

[@DrivenPlus]

You’re right. Apologies for this mistake

[@fin.jonesy]

@@chriskarn4718agreed!

[@phillxor]

@@chriskarn4718my manual R32 could do with a 7th gear too. Sits way too high in the RPM on the freeway, with this much torque it could be just idling but instead it's doing 3500rpm or something.

[@phildarbyshire1496]

Great review of the Golf. Only just come across your channel,just subscribed. Where did you film this . Always looking for new roads for weekend blast,had my 4.0 GTS Cayman up north Pennine roads between Kirby Stephen and Alston B6276 and B6277 last week,check that route out if you get chance.. fabulous and almost deserted.

[@DrivenPlus]

Hey Phil, thanks for the sub! This was filmed on the evo triangle in N.Wales (average speed cameras though) You should join us on a driving event (that’s what we mainly do)

[@garyjones8135]

Fantastic review mate making my decision to buy one much easier 🔥🔥

[@DrivenPlus]

Great to hear! Enjoy your R32 😎

[@battleheights]

excellent video and presentation and worth a sub. You are right about about the R32 they are not showy and could be just another Golf but to purists they are a lot more then that and is the reason i have a MK4 R32

[@kevinvandorst]

My favorite car of all time... Prices are going up but I'm still surprised by how affordable they still are at the moment.

[@DrivenPlus]

I know I can’t believe it too!

[@mattsgaragex]

Great review, subscribed. Yes R32 mk5 is a great car, personally prefer it to the mk4. Peak VW is Corrado VR6 but I am biased as I have one.....

[@DrivenPlus]

Thanks for the sub! Corrado VR6 probably is the best 👌

[@paulmichael3844]

I want one just to keep in my garage and use on the weekends

[@DrivenPlus]

Good choice

[@F9LMP]

I’ve got a silver one but 5 door and DSG only done 64k as well

[@chriskarn4718]

Mines black 5 dr with 38k ! It is DSG (my first) and im still not 100% sold on DSG vs manual. My son has one too (in blue) 😁

[@justthumbsup8256]

Manual gearbox, impressive

[@mohammedammar5581]

You should make a video on the edition 30

[@DrivenPlus]

Unfortunately I don’t know anyone that has one

[@tro3y]

Iconic

[@DrivenPlus]

Like you

[@tdoteva4973]

Edition 30 is the one for me

[@DrivenPlus]

That’s a good choice too 😎

[@SvenPerryGA55EER]

is it just me who doesn't appreciate missing bits under the bonnet on the car that's being picked up for a YT video ?

[@zwieback1988]

Those cars are right now really expensive in Germany… you are lucky to get them cheap

[@Hu_Mi]

MKV on top

[@wandilecomfortmayinganimth2828]

Are they still available for sale I’m based in south Africa

[@tameezmotala]

I have one mate… I stay in Johannesburg, you interested in buying?

[@8080rh]

經典的VR6 3門 手排 現在VW的GOLF 還剩下什麼?

[@ManicBeans]

Corrado was peak VW

[@joep4224]

The Mk5 was very well screwed together in R32 form. I've owned a ton of VWs (including my daily R32) and Mk5 was a real return to form. Even if the Mk4 is more the icon/classic. I adore my Mk3 VR6 too but I promise the quality is no where near Mk5 (...the induction noise is something else though).

[@piti_rocks]

Its so good I got 2 of them 😂

[@DrivenPlus]

Love it!

[@vicchavez6570]

I have a 09 2.5 turbo 279 horses

[@DrivenPlus]

Very nice

[@andybrooks7908]

I love these cars but they weren't fast enough considering the engine is a six cylinder 3.2 litre its nearly 100bhp less than the m3 from same ear which also had a 3.2 litre 6 cylinder

[@billymays7210]

For half the price, to be expected…

[@shazyk2666]

Got a mk7 edition 40 then bought a mk4 r32 ... now am looking at mk5 r32 think i may have a vw addiction here 🤔 😅

[@DrivenPlus]

I think you should 🤣

[@WhiskeyInspekta]

I had a 2009 Audi TT with a 3.2 VR6 and 6 speed manual with “Quattro”..….. you can keep that shit. Did it sound good? Yes. That’s it. Timing chain started failing. Fixed that. Transfer case failed. Fixed that New oem dual mass flywheel failed. Fixed that with an expensive single mass. Then the rear haldex diff failed….. I had enough. Fuck that platform.

[@ozziduncs]

I have owned a 2007 TT mk2 3.2 with DSG for 5 years - nothing gone wrong with it. I have only replaced the oil and tyres. Admittedly I bought it as a 3rd owner with log books. Only just ticked over 50,000kms. Maybe luck of the draw or someone selling you BS.

[@Newtonheath77]

DSG box all the way

[@FisheeC3]

These were all pooey automatic 2-door versions in north america :(

[@MARLEY330]

🫶🏾R32 till I leave this planet🌍🥺🇧🇼

[@Hu_Mi]

Hey

[@DrivenPlus]

Hey 👋

[@phileagles951]

The Brera V6 is a dog, get an Alfa 147 GTA in for a proper comparison!

[@gmcassell1]

Sorry mate... It's the mk4 r32

[@DrivenPlus]

I low key agree 👀

[@adamcarr6964]

You can keep your 2.0 turbo fart boxes, yeah they are faster but they sound like shit compared to these bad boys! 🔥

[@DrivenPlus]

😎😎

[@7spower998]

2:34 VR6 is Verkürzt Reihen sechs = Shorten Inline six. Like the IL6, the VR6 has 6-crank pins vs 3-crank pins for any V6. Unlike the IL6, the cylinders are staggered and bored at 15° to shorten the length and lower the engine's height. This is clearly seen in the arrangement of the red spark plugs. A 3-crank pin 15° V6 only exists in the CAD model. In the CAD simulation, the cylinders will collide with each other. The V6 emblem on the intake manifold is a marketing blunder to persuade buyers.

[@slightlyjaded8098]

the car was totally overpriced. most people read a stat sheet, and the gti got you 90% and there''s a reason they cost 10 grand less. If you didn't read the stat sheet though. anyone that's been in one... yes there's a reason they're imortalised. btw my father has a 147 gta, the second last brera. I love that car, but it will swap ends faster than a kardashian, and I love my r32, but the brera does sound better once you remove the wounded animal mechanical snarl.

[@RB12377]

Nice car but mk7 will run it off the road

[@Red1996Bull]

You don't say

[@b4b516]

It’s the only VR6 I’ve let go without a care in the world for. They’re boring compared to its predecessors.

[@johnstannard8366]

Peak?? The golf mk 8 R will destroy that thing. Had an R32 mk 5 then bought an evo 8 FQ300. 2.0 are more fun trust me.

[@mrlionrocks]

Sound shite

[@billymays7210]

Oh, child… 😂

[@davidlinaker9153]

Slow heavy usless without a turbo.

[@Buck3366]

It makes a GTI sound like crap and it has all the traction that will see a GTI spinning at the lights in anything but bone dry conditions as it pulls away. I’ll sacrifice a few less mph and take the fact that at ANY speed the R32 makes the noise every GTI owner wants. Oh and that’s from a 3 time GTI owner up to a 7 PP

[@jamesdean514]

No substitute for cubic inches. If you buy a r32 you have the potential to have a 1000bhp car if you buy a 2.0 at 500bhp your driving a time bomb waiting to blow

[@XxSmokeeyxX]

lol saying this was the golden era? the mk5 platform was trash. mk7 + 8 perform better in everyway. and saying that decade was the golden era of cars is a stretch too. i think we're just exiting a golden era. have multiple v8 muscle cars. peak miata. gr86, gr corolla and yaris. hyundai is making little sports cars. the supra is back and better than ever even if it is german.

[@d15z1sux]

Every newer golf will perform better than the last, it goes without saying. That being said usually people only realise it was a golden era with hindsight.

[@XxSmokeeyxX]

@@d15z1sux i dont think anyone will say the mk6 was really good at all though and everyone loves the mk4 over the mk5. i seem to be running into uk people specifically really liking the mk5 gti for some reason. probably because top gear said the r32 was "too fat" but now it really is better than the gti even with how "fat" it is.

[@billymays7210]

Some people care about looks/ sound too… not just performance. Coming from a MK8R owner… I’d take a 1 mile MK5/4 over mine for the same price any day of the week. $$$ talks. No MK7s going for over $100k…

[@Wargwarn]

Slow, heavy, and shite on fuel. 12v VR6 is the Corrado sounds better. Peak Golf is the mk7.5

[@billymays7210]

4s & 5s look and sound better, 8s are way better to drive… to each their own.

[@fleuger99]

I bought a new R32 in Grey in 2008, the only year offered here in the US. It only came with a DSG gearbox. I kept it for five years and wish I still had it. I loved the sound of the 3.2litre engine. VW produces nothing with this level of interesting design or something special like the Corrado. VW's current offerings don't interest me at all. I'm currently driving a 2023 Lexus IS500 with their naturally aspirated 5.0 litre V8. The car is rear wheel drive and it sounds beautiful.

[@DrivenPlus]

Ah wow I guess they’re even more rare in the states then!

[@ragebait988]

Mazda 3 is better 🤭

[@billymays7210]

😂😂😂😂😂