VW Golf Mk5 R32 Review - What Does A BMW 130i Owner Think?

[@CarToneHK]

Love the rumble of the VR6, such an unique tone

[@gordonmccartney5648]

Sound similar to a 350z

[@ischafer567]

One day I think I need one of those just because of that unique sound 😎 But you're right, the 350Z is probably the one closest to this.

[@izzy031096]

@@ischafer567 The VQ engine in general

[@ismailkabley302]

@@gordonmccartney5648 999999999999999999999o99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999

[@judge831]

Sounds like an EJ20

[@terokaakinen7061]

I love my R32. Probably not the fastest car out there nowadays, but that VR6 sound with full Milltek non resonated exhaust brings smile to my face every time I start the car or hit the pedal to the metal...😎

[@robberth6947]

No problems with droning without the resonator in the middle?

[@terokaakinen7061]

@@robberth6947 Not at all. The car doesn’t really sound any louder when driving than with standard exhaust.

[@kevinvandorst]

Nothing beats the R32, it's amazing.

[@SpecializedRider1986]

Alfa 147 GTA easily as good or better. ​@kevinvandorst

[@martytdd1606]

​@@SpecializedRider1986The 147 can't handle unfortunately.

[@ApothecaryTerry]

The first 5 secs of this video are all I need to hear to love this car. I don't actually want one, but I could listen to that all day.

[@iR3vive]

believe me: it never gets old either, it can be quiet when you want, but nothing else will make such a loud, beautiful sound... mine has just the rear muffler deleted, and turn heads everywhere!

[@ApothecaryTerry]

@@iR3vive I love a good 6-pot. Bought my 981CS 6 months ago, stereo is crap but who needs a stereo when you've got a 3.4 flat 6 and very little sound insulation! People must think I'm racing them all the time...but it's always just for the sound ☺

[@Carrera-gp9od]

The r32 sounds superb , I had no idea they had just the one cylinder head I thought they were a normal v6 design , everyday is a school day 👍🏻

[@benbrowning8138]

I'm the same, thanks for showing the head! You're a great source of info!

[@mudskipper0075]

I’m a boring car geek and I didn’t know that either ...👍

[@Carrera-gp9od]

Vw have made some weird engines in the last 20 years or so, w12 , W 8 , vr5 and this vr6 . Unusual for such a mainstream company . I always wondered why the vr6 made such a distinctive noise , now I know 🙏

[@kostinarain7373]

Yup LOL me too

[@thesollys9540]

I bought the Audi A3 Quatro with the same motor, took the neighbour for a drive and he ended up buying a R32!

[@superdooperoofer8941]

I’ve had the mkIV & MkV R32, the IV was a manual. (I got roped into a DSG on the mkV) I truly regret selling it. Most fun and surprising hatch ever, and that sound..... my god....like a wookie gargling water, i miss it, also considering buying one again. I found it looked way better than the mkV too, dammit Jay, i’m feeling emotional 😭 i want my mkIV back,

[@MiniEggs1999]

I have an 06 one that I have run from new and now has 164000 miles on it. Still going well for 15 years old. Serviced every 12k apart from usual wear and tear items the only significant thing to go wrong was the DSG box gave up at 125k Replaced at main dealer for 3k and the passenger door lock does not open but at 600 quid to fix I can’t quite bring myself to. Oh and it’s still on its original battery which is getting a bit long in the tooth

[@davewheeler7679]

Brilliant to see. Aren't they very thirsty.

[@MiniEggs1999]

@@davewheeler7679 If I drive like a vicar I can get 35mpg. If I drive like the devil I can get 6 and empty the tank in about 40 mins 😂😂

[@davewheeler7679]

Thanks eggy. That's not bad for steady driving. A mate of mine had one and got rid because of the mpg he was getting. Alot of spirited driving I think.

[@rjj00]

Original timing chain?

[@MiniEggs1999]

Yes mine has now on 187k

[@yorktronic]

mk5 owner here. Ohlins suspension, , magnaflow touring exhaust (resonated so focused on sport sound but zero highway drone), neuspeed rear sway, pilot sport 4s tires, HPA haldex controller (to send more power to the rear using the throttle position sensor instead of only traction control, the stock config). I just today test drove a lot of "better" cars. Mercedes C43 AMG, Audi S5 sportback, and Porsche Macan. The R32 has such a connection to the driver which in newer cars I struggle to find. Are all new cars faster, yes -- many, many things are faster than an R32. But with the way I've configured mine, it does all the things: ski trips on smaller wheels and snow tires, holding a bunch of stuff for weekend getaways, feeling comfy on California highways, and rock solid when I push it. I donno -- I may never find a all-round better car.

[@pwollerman]

That’s how I feel about my MKV TDI - Pilot sport5 on 17” Siena wheels. There’s faster but the feel is great. 😊

[@peterrosscochrane]

The variety of cars driven on this channel is excellent, always well researched and a great delivery James, keep up the great work!

[@danieljackson2538]

This guy must give the best car reviews on you tube. Every video is a spot on and knows his cars inside out, should be on TV.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Very kind

[@danieljackson2538]

@@JayEmmOnCars True though Jay 👍🏼 keep up the hard work as the content is great 😊

[@Lukeywoodsey]

One of my dream cars to use every day. That noise is amazing

[@jimmyfarley5581]

There was a short lived plan to put the 3.6L passat engine into the successor of this R32. Yes they contemplated an R36 Golf. I so wish they had.

[@martinboulden3540]

Had one of these new in 2009 - best driven with the rear seats folded down for the best howl from the exhaust !!

[@i.c.d.-videos1901]

Still got a great noise that R32! 👌🏻

[@niallmccrystal4577]

Jay, do a mk5 gti, the car that rescued the gti badge

[@johnmitchell2269]

And then the Mk6 tried to ruin it again. But the Mk7 (especially the ClubSport S) is a minter. Lesson, every other Golf is decent. IMO the mk 2, 4 and 6 are about as appealing as owning a Daewoo.

[@liamschannel6294]

@@johnmitchell2269 mate don’t say that about the mk2😯

[@tracktimevideos5164]

@@johnmitchell2269 the mk3 and mk4 were terrible.

[@69bock69]

Mk4 r32 is pretty good smh

[@GadgetMart]

@@liamschannel6294 The MK2 is arguably the best one. More room and better corrosion protection

[@Daveks3]

Great video again! Passat W8 or the later Passat R36 would be an interesting video as there pretty forget about 👍🏻

[@myou6675]

Sounds great and good review. I randomly cross shopped one of these with a Z4m coupe many years ago (when prices were a bit closer) and took the BMW for thrills over practically.

[@heikkiremes5661]

That noise is just so good!

[@lenep9985]

This was a dream car...this was like the rs3 of the day...

[@anyau]

performance aside, this is the best golf based on looks alone imo

[@izzy031096]

Mk4 R32 is better imo

[@zkljaja]

@@izzy031096 both look and sound amazing, but the slowness of it....damn...15l/100km for all noise and no go...

[@izzy031096]

@@zkljaja On straight roads maybe. On the tight windy roads here in NZ the instant torque is awesome. These engines were not made to reach high hp but to produce and retain torque through the low-mid rev range. Not to mention that awesome vr6 sound bouncing off the hills as you race through the tight valley roads

[@izzy031096]

@@zkljaja To give you more of an idea.. on the majority of these roads I struggle to push to car to it’s limits. So it becomes pretty pointless having a super high power car as a daily or weekend burner unless you’re a regular at the track.

[@B75-u7c]

F me; this was *exactly* the video I was looking for. Thanks man! Great review comparison aswell

[@thegolfdiaries1123]

Love the original R32 and very nearly cancelled the order on my 25th Anni for one - glad I didn't, still have it. Keep teeling myself I still need to own one.

[@88tmilko]

Love my Manual 3dr! Great videos!

[@kb8729]

Nobody talks about the BMW 130i for a reason. R32 will always be more desirable

[@PLr1c3r]

On the dsg model in S mode the redline of the R32 is 6800rpm. not sure if there is other differences but it does feel like its got longer legs in S mode. PS I prefer the dsg over manual as its about 1/2 second faster 0-60 and the downshifts are much quicker too when overtaking. Which would also give it that final edge over the BMW 1 series IMO.

[@lukebreedon3028]

Love the very unbiased review

[@ll-qf7qf]

Would love to see you review a Alfa Brera 3.2 JTS V6 SV Q4 and do a comparison of the three beasts

[@termit520]

A best part is that sound....such a good engine sound, a car is good just enough, they could make it better but Golf wasn't there to be the best, it was there to be a benchmark. I love that car. Who cares about infotainment? Nobody wants to listen the radio inside that car. If you want a better interior you'll buy an Audi, if you want a crappy interior you'll buy a Skoda. That's it. Nice video

[@seanmcneill8899]

Such an honest review keep it up man😎

[@unpluggedkiwi2699]

Golf R32 has the most beautiful sound. I owned a MkIV R32 3door, and it is the only car I have ever regretted selling. Had a certain rawness that was totally addictive.

[@einfelder8262]

I still have my MKV GTI purchased new in 2008. Styling wise, I prefer it to all later ones. Couldn't afford the R32 at the time, but went on a lot of drive days with dozens of MKVs. Mine has minor mods only - Whiteline rear sway bar, dogbone insert and aftermarket mount, and a stage 1 tune. I still love driving it, the engine note, the little exhaust burbles, and good enough grunt at around 188Kw vs 147Kw stock, plus some more NMs.

[@berniejaw6552]

MKV GTI not released until 2005

[@einfelder8262]

@@berniejaw6552 Oops, don't know where I got 1998 from.... corrected to 2008 :)

[@liamschannel6294]

The mk5 shape is so nice! My favourite shape of golf from the last 4 generations of Golfs! Loved the video again Jayemm! Thumbsed up and a comment to help the algorithm😎

[@RSTurbo50]

I had a 2006 R32, Full VW dealer history and it had 65k on the clock when i bought it, it was probably the most reliable car I had ever owned, the EML light was on more than it was off. A lovely sounding engine though but not all that quick.

[@flintsigs]

Such great content from this guy

[@eklektikTechno]

I love it when they leave these stock no slams or crazy body kits

[@zounds13]

One of the very best-sounding engines ever.

[@qasimnasir1811]

6 months in and I am still smiling, even though my timing chain is a bit noisy, and serpentine belt.

[@CarNitty]

Did you replace it in the end?

[@rjj00]

Did you replace?

[@hduncan2587]

America never had the 130i (as an E82 128i owner, I say that begrudgingly), but the Mk5 R32 and second generation Audi TT 3.2 (closer rival to my E82) are definitely some of my favorites for this sort of class. Sure, the all-wheel drive isn't perfect, and the second gen TT's interior doesn't have the same character and uniqueness of the original, but overall they'd be awesome to live with. I remember the R32's ride being quite a bit firmer the my BMW. Partly because I have an older E82 with the sport package, not the LCI which offered the likely firmer M-Sport suspension. The R32 also has that lovely VR6 warble ready to go which the BMW's lack without that M-Sport exhaust like you have. Yes, I have the flap in the muffler which on lift-off will give me a little bit of low-bass pops, and a pleasing growl, but not very much. The R32 and TT both did a better job of having ones cake and eating it with their muffler valves. Like you said, the interior of the Golf also has a cheapness in some regards. The one I drove for work was back in 2016 or so, and like many VW's of the time it have the metal trim flaking off. Sure, the BMW's tend to get some wood cracking and the silly black trim on the steering wheel rubs away (both cars suffer a similar fate to buttons), the BMW does age better. All told, money no object, I'd gladly import a three-door 130i and enjoy that shooting-brake proportion and usefulness. As much as the hydraulic/electric power steering debacle, you already tried them out on your channel and never found it to be the biggest difference.

[@ArcticRob]

Just bought one of these in blue 3 door. Not cheap for 65k mileage but my god was it worth it. They started appreciating last year too! Now is THE time to buy one for anyone thinking about them. In 12 months the price for a good one will rise approx 1-2k mark my words.

[@camerondowning7523]

I bought a Brera V6 and I've had two of these golfs

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Great video, takes me back to my parents VW Golf circa 07/08

[@peterbenbow3832]

1510kg Dimensions Fuel Capacity 55 litres Weight 1510kg Length 4246mm Width 2010mm Height 1465mm

[@h.a3522]

My brother had one .. that VR6 is glorious

[@andreyzamytskyy]

Clarkson binned it in m135i, not 130i..

[@markwright3161]

I mixed up that 'vs test' too when thinking about it while watching. :)

[@jimmyfarley5581]

In fairness the 135i has a fair bit more power and torque than the 130i and the 135i was driven on a very wet track with lots of standing water.

[@sandski5174]

The mk IV R32 is still my favorite car ever.

[@rybackracing8075]

I know you did an RS5 review but be good to see a B8 RS4 review. They had mixed response at launch but can pick one up now for low £20k

[@pkracing9095]

GTI is the MK5 highlight 👍🏻

[@925vincent]

I'd LOVE to see a Top Gear co-presented by JayEmm and Chris Harris

[@bensmithkent22]

Agree proper car people. However You Tube is the future well the present day. TG is watered down dross now. Presented by celebs not car guys - harris aside. Not going to lie i loved the glory days of clarkson, may, hammond but cant stand it since. Besides who watches tv the old way now hardly anybody? So if you can come on here and watch these reviews why the need for tg on terrestrial fossil tv.

[@MetikalMan]

I wish companies would rep their unique engines more consistently. VW should have a VR6 in everything! Audi should have a 5 cylinder in everything.

[@R-Tap]

Saw one of these a few days ago in Ireland, rare here, haven't seen one for a few years. You could see the bloke loved it and considering the road taxi would be over €1,000pa he was paying for his enjoyment.

[@dhanish92]

I've had 3 gtis including an Ed30 which ran stage two and an r32. If you want sheer power, Ed30, but for an all rounder, r32, it's so much more comfortable and easy to drive, and the engine sounds amazing

[@tomthompson7400]

had an Audi A3 with the 3.2 , the soundtrack is addictive .

[@7spower998]

1:17 In fact VR stands for Verkürzt Reihen - Shorthened Inline 6! not V Straight 6.

[@itisjustacomment]

The vr6 sounds sooooo good. Plus it's better looking and a great sleeper.

[@mattluxton]

That VR sound 😍

[@vincentmotonya2859]

This has to be one of the nicest R32 ,looks great in black

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

That rasp from the exhaust...👂🚙💨😁💯👍

[@jonathonbrett-qn1ic]

Great car love the mk5 r32 Brilliant episode Thank you

[@pwollerman]

I’ve got a mkv tdi with DSG and paddle shifts with 320,000 k on the clock. I’ve never touched the DSG and it’s a pleasure to use. I’d like to see performance cars tested on twisty roads not going fast on flat straights. The diesel is fabulous but obviously not a VR6 4WD but I can give an Impreza STI a run for its money.

[@mrchris6519]

I used to own a 3 door manual r32...by far the best car I've ever owned, only issue was the price of the vehicle tax which in the end i was struggling to pay so unfortunately the car had to go 😪

[@peterboczan2116]

That's exactly what I did! Because my mileage was so low (Less than thousand miles a year) I was spending more on tax than on petrol. I had the car for about 8 years and spent over £4,000 in tax for a car that was spending 99.9999% of its time in the garage. I recently traded it in for a Mk 7.5 R which is a lot more reasonable.

[@mrchris6519]

@@peterboczan2116 when I owned one I used to average 3 to 4000 miles. Was a waste really. I bought a 1.4 audi a3 2 and a half years ago because it's £20 a year tax ..only done 6000 miles in it since I bought it. I would definitely consider a mk7 r.

[@peterboczan2116]

@@mrchris6519 The road tax on my MK 7 R is £155 per year.

[@maxleishman6363]

Passat R36 Wagon next please

[@ghrenu]

Enjoyed your review, went to go see how much they cost and you were right, had a look a fuel cost... no way 😂😂

[@johntearle]

Thank you James. Great video. Not really my kind of car. But for some reason has always been of interest and something I've wanted to try. May happen one day!

[@JayMaverick]

"These are gonna start at around about the 45 thousand pounds mark, but..." needed to rewind to hear that again. =P

[@seancunningham341]

Cool bmw 130i review

[@Marvindorfler1]

To be fair, this guy does a better job than the folk on the actual TV shows. Have you done a cosworth, rs turbo, m5 ?? Other videos I would like to see

[@JayEmmOnCars]

RS Escort Cossie yes, and M5 yes E39 and E60

[@Marvindorfler1]

@@JayEmmOnCars brilliant. I'll go seek them out now. 👍

[@sidawaytube]

The Alfa 3.2gt or 147gta was a better comparison than the Brera. Both those have the golf beat on sound and looks/exclusivity. But as a daily driver I'd take the golf ..

[@alexv8150]

Sound even better with an open air intake

[@polR32]

I have been owner of both cars... And for me the 130i is way much better in everything. Faster, funnier, sportier... Also the fuel economy in the 130i is way much better. The gearbox on the 130i is EXCELLENT (I had BMWP SSK). The handling of the 130i is also better and the chassis shares lots of plug n play parts with the M3 E9x... So it can be even better in an easy way. I had full Milltek non resonated on the R32 and a custom setup on the 130i (BMWP backbox + YPipe), and yes, the only thing that beats the 130i is the R32 sound with a proper exhaust. But the sound of that BMW 6L is also really nice!

[@paulleggett9735]

Ever Driven an R36 Passat? would be interested to see that

[@nathant8951]

Oooh yes I'd love to see that too

[@mudskipper0075]

Or the bonkers W8 if you can find one...

[@johnmitchell2269]

Never seen one of those on the road. I presume VW struggled to sell them?

[@mudskipper0075]

@@johnmitchell2269 only seen one ever ,a real sleeper only the quad exhausts give it away....

[@alextester7037]

Or an R50 Touareg

[@tonkinesenchill4240]

I have a Bora VR5, it’s slow as wind erosion but sounds so damn good. The R32 is definitely a car if have if I could afford one. Sure the modern day R would trounce it, but just as is the case with so many modern cars they all sounds like bath farts. I’d take a sexy noise over performance and a crap noise every time.

[@cvandenhaute]

I used to own one of these (US market), loved the sound of the VR6, hated the DSG, the front heavy handling and the steering was numb. Ironically I replaced it with a BMW 128i coupe manual, that I loved and kept for 9 years...

[@richardturner4848]

It's an Audi Sponsored by the Beastie Boys. I find your 128k really surprising, you're one of the best car reviewers on here. I also, find it strange a video about old BMW diesels has more views than a 458, so what do you do?? 😂 I hope the new year brings you that kick, how about a road trip collaborating with another youtuber, the Rat man maybe? Look at Freddies series with Hoovie and Ed, maybe after the lock down get Freddie to come to the UK and do a road trip, imagine the exposure that would give you. Onwards and upwards.

[@paullomas4620]

The 1 dislike is from the people that bought an alfa instead of the r32!

[@skodasuperb7100]

Or from an Abarth owner 🙄😂

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Or McLaren

[@skodasuperb7100]

@@JayEmmOnCars 😄

[@camerondowning7523]

I've got a Brera and it's faster than these r32s

[@MiniEggs1999]

Funny. I tried a 146 GTA before buying the R32. I liked many things about the GTA but could not live with the about as much suspension travel as a skateboard. Glad I didn't get one in the end as they look really dated now compared to the Mk5

[@judderzm2252]

Breaks my heart seeing this had to sell mine to pay rent im absolutely broken hearted/ that was a year ago now just about to buy another one 😉

[@tom24057]

Would you review a N52 Z4 Coupe? It’s the thinking mans Z4M. 40mpg. Cheap to run, £10k buys a nice one. 8/10ths the car of the Z4M for half the price and much cheaper to run. Thoughts Jay?

[@KaganRustem]

Tom I've driven both, apart from both being 2 seater BMW's they couldn't be more different. The E85/E86 is a completely totally and utterly different car to the N52 car. If you want a drivers car go for the M car, if you want a 2 seater with some poke to cruise in, buy the N52 powered car.

[@cobenblack1876]

As an e85 owner, I agree with Kagan. It’s a cruising car. It’s not a sports car. Perfectly capable of being driven quickly, but the difference is all the stuff you won’t see on a spec sheet. It doesn’t communicate enough, it doesn’t push you. It’s fun, but what it wants to do is cruise and do sweeping relaxed bends.

[@tom24057]

Interesting! Thanks

[@stu4181]

I had a z4 2.5si and that thing never saw near 40mpg! 32/33 I seem to remember. I actually disagree with the sentiment they are cruising cars, they are very firm and light weight. The hard top Z4 got softened up and moved away from the sports car formula....

[@vrsmartin2981]

Gearbox wise, the bmw is a rod type and is solid as the gearbox is in the tunnel unlike the VW that uses a cable setup as the box is on the side of the engine.

[@lukewatts3284]

Considered one of these when I got my 197

[@daveg8040]

Sorry mate- You should have said Radio not required in here as the R32 sounds distinctive and glorious...Challenge over

[@ChrisLitton]

The old Golf I'd consider buying.If I wanted a newer VW i'd get the Up! GTI.

[@alanbrand7681]

The mk5 golf..the one with bolted on door skins...that were too tight...they would arrive at the dealer following a journey on a transporter where the bolts would break on route...car arrived at dealer brand new missing a door skin..top quality

[@myheadsspinning123]

Sadly, like jeremy C, the economy is not mentioned. bmw 30+mpg, vw 20+mpg. tax: bmw ~300, vw ~500 (i think) in uk. If this is your daily, as it was for me, this was a massive + point for the BMW, not to mention rwd vs a fwd that only becomes 4 in slides 0-60 runs.

[@bluestorm1944]

In its defence the Haldex system on this works really well. I own both this car and a Z4 currently just through them being a good deal rather than any brand affinity and handling wise there’s not a lot in it. Owned a similar aged Impreza before which is of course full time 4wd and the golf handles a hell of a lot better. Impreza you had to go slower into the corners then just smash the power mid corner and it would pull itself out.

[@myheadsspinning123]

@SkoomaD haldex for sure is perfect for it, if you want awd with a heavy front end and relatively low power. 250bhp is too small to have any worries that traction will start a slide. Ie it has too much chassis ability for the power.

[@bluestorm1944]

Well the front heavy golf beat the 130i around around the track on both fifth gear and top gear at the time so turns out 50/50 weight distribution and drivetrain ideals aren’t everything. Sometimes being able to harness the power you have is more important. How’s your BMW doing btw?

[@terryturner4116]

@@bluestorm1944 isn't the R32 the car that the 147 GTA left behind on top gear?

[@bluestorm1944]

@@terryturner4116 Dunno, always wanted the 3.2 GTA they sound amazing. But this is comparing a 130 to an R32 not the GTA. Selling mine to help fund an M3 anyways which is a more capable car than all three.

[@JJay081290]

Had a mk4 of these in blue. Brilliant all round car and sound brilliant. Still miss it now, look better than the mk5 also in my opinion

[@jonlyons1033]

Clio v6 unusable? Nonsense! One of the best hedge trimmers ever made.

[@MrGwaldo]

Haha.

[@pkpropertysolutionsltd701]

I had one for a short time, quite quick off the line but not much top end.

[@kamilianos]

Just been on a shopping run . I saw a GOLF in my RV mirror for a while. It was time to put the foot down all the way. I did not expect him to follow but he still chased me up and overtook with ease .... turn on my PC and see another GOLF lol ... I think it was GOLF R. My car is 05 CLS 500 ... I am curious now.

[@tan9640]

Sounds amazing, looks special all these years later, cannot shake of the gti which is a better car. As for the 130i, having owned a 120d m sport that was a lot of fun to drive and now owning a mk5 gti it was close. so I assume the 130i is a lot better to drive

[@johnshaw8013]

It's a straight 6 with offset cylinders to make it shorter 😉 3/8's of a Veyron engine.

[@yellowa4725]

I'd much prefer a MK4 R32, it was a far less production line vehicle, had far more feel and just felt that bit more special. Although finding a nice one without spending a fortune is getting impossible!

[@Boric78]

Ah The Squire - you should have asked him to comment on your driving in his RAF "Nigel" voice.

[@alfiemcelhinney3649]

love the end credits.. very hoovies garage inspired

[@tim1polman]

Love the sound of the vr6. I do however prefer the 12 valve version, it doesnt sound as raspy as the 24 valve. But then, I'm of course biassed with my trusty old Corrado vr6 😁

[@LangersVW]

Got to love the Corrado..... but I would say that your right they aren’t as easy raspy but still love em none the less

[@paulmaartin]

2v per cylinder on a v8 isnt that bad but on a 6 cylinder engine...

[@rscosworthfan]

love the corrado

[@michaeldasilva1752]

You Brits are so lucky. . .over here in South Africa we got the Mk5 R32 in DSG only. . .the only manual I've seen in the flesh is actually a UK import

[@davespooney8472]

Clever of VW to design the Golf that allows more room inside than a 1 series, considering it has 4WD too! Seems you get much more car in the Golf, bet it cost more to make than the 1 Series

[@lazarushernandez5827]

It did share plenty of parts with other cars In VAGs showroom, the Audi TT, the Audi A3/S3, at the time the 3.2 VR6 was also in the VW Touareg, Passat (in certain markets), Phaeton, Eos, Porsche Cayenne...

[@samcourt6228]

I think the R32 edges the noise (especially with a Milltek) but I’d have the BMW; personally I think Father Time had been kinder to the interior and I prefer the exterior to VW’s jelly mould design. I’m also a sucker for the N52 engine... The BMW is a decent chunk less in VED, which was a turn off when I looked at the R32. It’s just not fast enough to find too whack VED acceptable. The R32 has gone through the bad stage of being owned by oiks and and has now come out the other side. They’re acts a pretty rare sight these days.

[@jackosmeister]

You didnt mention the horrendous understeer at the limit.. about the only redeeming feature of the R32 is they sound cool.

[@neverthar]

Hey Jay, how bout including a review of the mk4 R32 as in was the genesis of hot Golfs

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Surely the Mk1 GTI was the genesis of hot Golfs?

[@neverthar]

@@JayEmmOnCars if by context of modern hot Golfs with the R badge, I'd say it can be traced to the MK4 R32 not to mention it debuted the DSG that we know today

[@SilentPlayThroughs]

No the Mk4 was terrible

[@neverthar]

They do say that for the GTI but others say the R32 was underrated. Would be nice to have jay give his 2 pences on that matter

[@SilentPlayThroughs]

@@neverthar the whole mk3 and mk4 range was a failure but vw redeemed themselves with the mk5 r32

[@juliendonn]

Very good review, and very interesting as I am a 130 owner. You should try a early exemplar 130i, they have hydraulic steering, which is close to perfection. And you may try Michelin ps4 on your bimmer, with these in 225 wide, it bearly ever kicks in the traction control.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I have yet to drive a BMW with steering anywhere close to brilliant

[@tracktimevideos5164]

They are poor cars and when a vanos issue kills the head as it did mine a moneypit that you just didn't need. As Jay says, the steering is poor too.

[@ravenmaster6364]

@@JayEmmOnCars e30 m3?

[@jlcgaming8178]

Any love for the R36?

[@azlean5323]

No such thing as a Golf R36. There is an R36 performance stroker kit but it's a product not a car.

[@jlcgaming8178]

@@azlean5323 R36 Passat i ment mate.

[@azlean5323]

@@jlcgaming8178 Ahhh got you 😀👍🏻

[@bmorris5863]

@@azlean5323 nah, translation you didn't know what a r36 passat was..... Until this comment

[@azlean5323]

@@bmorris5863 What are you on about?? Stick to your S15's...

[@sleepercell9926]

There's just so much more to it than the 130i though. Its just good all round.

[@semird615]

Is the Audi A3 3.2 basically the same car ?