VW Golf R32 (Mk5) Review - My Car of The Year 2021, and I bought one! - BEARDS n CARS

The Volkswagen Golf R32 MkV is an outstanding brawler of a hot hatch which was over a decade ahead of its time, with such things as a paddle shift DSG transmission and AWD long before most other manufacturers began doing so...
Driving this modified example left such an impression on me that I ultimately awarded it my Car of The Year 2021, and even part exchanged my Bentley for one! A change which I never once regretted, and a car which I thoroughly enjoyed owning for 10 months or so before changing things up again as I'm prone to do. So let's review the VW Golf R32!
Special thanks to Cars of Somerset - Check them out HERE: carsofsomerset....
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#VWGolfR32 #BEARDSnCARS #CarReview #BeardsAndCars #HSGAutomotive #VW #Volkswagen #GolfR32 #GolfR #VWGolfR #GolfVR6 #VWGolfVR6 #VolkswagenGolf #VWGolf #VolkswagenGolfR32
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[@HSGAutomotive]

Take a peek through the catalogue of other cars which I've featured in Beards 'n Cars: kzbin.info/aero/PLli-l3TTlwDO_6yAJuczuC7IDDcTr6L9m

[@jlsvideos5990]

I bought my 08 R32 back in April of 2014. I was taking it for a test drive with my dad, and the salesman in the backseat. We were leaving the dealership and there was a small break in traffic while entering a yield and I gunned it. It threw everyone of us into our seats while I grinned ear to ear. The 4Motion AWD gripped the road and I experienced the linear power while the exhaust purred like a wookie. Pure bliss. I store it every winter and usually pull it out in late April. Always my favourite time of the year. It's mostly stock from a performance standpoint with a AFE cold air intake. Res Delete and APR exhaust tips with a few handfuls of cosmetic mods. I hope they bury me in my car one day. Cheers, #1283

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice

[@conconr322]

Best comment

[@gillesLegein]

Yes, love this reading. My blue from 2006 also stays for winter inside and love having a ride on a sunny day. It makes me smile everytime and will always do. A newer car as the R or GTI, it doesn't do the same to me

[@EpicTyphlosionTV]

Fun fact: The Golf is one of the few European cars that most consider a "tuner" car

[@peterfurber6966]

Bought a new M3 in 2003. Good car. Got a 2005 R32. Great car. And (brace yourselves) was built way better. Rock solid.

[@RoosterRipper]

“Muscle Car of Hot Hatches” Yes, love it! Mine arrived Saturday and wow, what a car. No regrets 👌🏻

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice one, excellent little motor

[@cliffb1932]

Welcome to the R32 family bro. Im in south africa and we have a group called R32 OCSA. only r32 owners. This is a car for real

[@techdeckerkick]

I have a MK5, feel like it’s a car for life! Even at 120k miles it runs like a dream. Only problem that winds me up in the rust issues it come with!

[@hazzard8760]

front wings ( which rust in the arch over the wheel) are relatively cheap and come pre-painted for £200 a pair on ebay. Easy to install, just bolts on

[@gwaltzilla]

I love my 2008 R32. I owned a 98 GTI with a 2.8 VR6 when I was in the military and loved that car. When the R32s came out I thought I would never get my hands on one with there only being 5k made for the US market. Years after I got out of the military I was looking a nice small BMW or Mercedes at a car lot and found a used R32 with under 100k miles on it! I bought it with cash for $15k and drove off the lot knowing what a rare find I had. The previous owner was not kind to the car and I repaired the damage he/she made to the car. I could tell it had been in a wreck and the AC until was broken. I fixed up the car up. Its slightly modified now with 270hp. Its as perfectly balanced as a car can be in my opinion. It handles like a dream in any weather conditions and the sound it makes is just amazing. The only problems I have had with the car is the electric door locks went out. I wish there was an option for manual door locks and windows for it but what can you do? I dont think I will ever sell the car. Its well crafted and the best driving car I have ever owned. Its a grown up car that you can feel like a kid in. lol

[@HSGAutomotive]

Absolutely, fantastic little motor.

[@rjj00]

What did you modify to get 270

[@gwaltzilla]

@@rjj00 Hello! I modified the Cold Air Intake and completely put in a new Exhaust System. I would have wanted to keep it as stock as possible but the pervious owner screwed up.

[@joshmerrick4716]

I’ve been thinking of buying a mk5 r32 for a while. I’ve always loved them ever since my boss back in 2007/2008 bought a new one. I was 18/19 at the time and would have given my left arm for one. I’ve been deliberating back and forth about an r32 or a gti edition 30 but this review has made my mind up for me. R32 all the way. It’s just so much more special than a gti. And no doubt the last of its kind. And I can only see prices going up. So grabbing one while they’re currently below £10k for a good one seems a good investment too

[@HSGAutomotive]

I'd say so yeah. The only time I'd say go for a different Golf, is if peak performance is the most important thing for you. Since GTi's can run more tuning at less cost. R32's can be monstrous (HPA Motorsport for example) but are more suited to be torquey muscle cruisers in my book, making it a perfect daily with a great soundtrack

[@femstauk8865]

I have a MKV and never selling it, ever It’s a pleasure to drive

[@hazzard8760]

I've had my Mk5 R32 since new in September 2008. She is now 14 years old and fully serviced and never tuned or modified. I have an Mercedes AMG A45S+ which is blisteringly fast but I much prefer to drive my R32 as an everyday. The R32 has character but the AMG whilst a wonderful piece of 420 hp automotive engineering is not the same. The golf has been a dream and apart from wear and tear has had no major problems.. and that sound... pure bliss and everyone comments on it, even if they know nothing about cars..

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice. I've had one for 8 months so far which is quite a while for my standards, cracking cars. Hasn't hit Clio V6 or Focus RS recognition yet, but I think they will in future

[@rjj00]

How many miles doee your R32 have @hazzard8760 - how's the timing chain?

[@hazzard8760]

Bought it in early 2008 so its coming up 16 years and she has done 155,000 miles all under my ownership. I clocked up 100,000 business miles in first 4 years from new back back and forth from Exeter to Southampton 4 times a week but in last 10 years I do roughly 3k- 5k a year and its been fully serviced with VW. Spoke to VW service engineer a couple of times about timing chains and he recommends leaving well alone unless you have cause for concern. The engine is one of the strongest VW ever made. They may go wrong , but he says you do get warning on the chain issue as it becomes rattly and noisy well before any serious issues and then only if the car has been raced or abuse. I'll never sell my R32 as its one ( now elderly) owner from new, fully serviced but no-one would ever give me what's its truly worth stating its high mileage but the engine is so strong it goes on forever f its serviced regularly and not messed with the likes of turbos or uprated camshafts etc . There are plenty of abused ones out there with half the miles miles and multiple ex owners that are dogs and absolute money pits for the unwary. Great car. Bought a 2 year old BMW M2 competition (21 plate) to replace the AMG45S last year but hardly use it. It not my type of car really, an enthusiasts car and absolute beast that will throw you in the hedge with too much throttle if you are not careful with close on 450bhp. Ideal for the track but I still prefer to drive the good old R32

[@rjj00]

@@hazzard8760 thanks for the detailed reply! good to know. I'll never sell mine either!

[@elliotttalksf1825]

Lucky to have a MKV R32 myself. No way I’m ever selling it I absolutely love it!

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice one, a lot to love for sure

[@elliotttalksf1825]

@@HSGAutomotive It’s a great car no doubt!

[@qhawemakhaye4098]

This is the best review of the legendary MK5 R32 I’ve ever watched! 👏👏Absolutely spot on!👏👏

[@HSGAutomotive]

Cheers, glad you enjoyed 🤙

[@F9LMP]

I’ve just come across this review, I’ve got the mk5 on a 58 reg, DSG and under 63k, the sounds it makes are epic

[@grindon6973]

Hopefully getting one of these soon…beautiful car that i have admired for the last 10 years if not longer. Helpful video mate cheers 👏🏼

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice one, enjoy!

[@pnwnative918]

MkV R32 owner here in the states! To say the price to get one is a bit higher around here, I got mine for $12,000 with 86k miles in May 2020, and I see a few others listed that cost the same or even more with more mileage than mine. I was originally considering wanting a Mk7 Golf Sportwagen S with a 1.8T since I saw one in Silk Blue with only 27k miles only costing about $1000 more, but I drove the R32 and I instantly fell in love with it, and a month later after I moved out I bought it! Could of not been happier! In the coming months of ownership, I literally straight piped it (I got a video 😉 ), and got the United Motorsports Triple Tune, and it just gets better! No regrets. It's not fast, but it sounds godly and I enjoy that more! I want to get a supercharger kit from Carlicious or somewhere like that, but the price of importing a one from Germany to the USA is a bit on the steep side for me currently. I do got a lot of mods waiting to be shipped and ready to go hopefully soon (coilovers, lightweight aluminum control arms, spherical bearing trailing arms, etc.). My main focus currently is to just shed some weight in mine (estimated 50 - 60lb rotational to be removed between wheels and 2 piece rotors!), as well as improve the handling, since mine feels loose and unstable in the rear when I try to push it. For issues, to what I hear, the biggest problem I may be facing upcoming with the car is timing chain stretch, that's the only major concern that I know of. You can hear it, as the sound is described like a rattling can of marbles, and it's suggested to get them changed at about 120k mile mark. Just check VCDS on the timing/stretch of the chain (blocks 208/209 on RossTech VCDS). If it's listed as more than +/-3-5 degrees, definitely needs to be replaced. At 96k for mine now it's only at -1 degree, which is really good, but it concerns me if the now 14 year old plastic guide rail, potentially considered being another weak point, could fail before the chains fully need replaced. Overall though I am so glad I got a VW R32! It's also so much fun in the snow with a fresh pair of Bridgestone Blizzak WS90s as well! That alone made it well worth getting an R over the Golf Sportwagen. Yes I could make the Sportwagen faster with an IS20 or 38 turbo upgrade, but nothing will ever beat the satisfying sound of the VR6, ever.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice one, thanks for sharing!

[@chas2600]

I'm on my second one. I had 847 but it was stolen and trashed. I found this one and it's better than the first one. Love the R32

[@HSGAutomotive]

Don't blame you, awesome motors

[@defenda1]

Great review thank you. Like you said, this car has turned me into a boy racer. It's so fun to have a basic family car, that drives on rails and sounds mental when you want it to. Our family will outgrow her soon, should be selling but I'm hoping to buy a garage to keep her safe and supercharged.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice one!

[@jaronlafayette8311]

Brilliant vid mate, the sound from these v6’s is heavenly, currently looking for one now 👍🏾

[@Kimishibai100]

Picking mine up tomorrow. 57k miles. Can't wait.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Niiiice. There's a pretty strong chance that this is going to be my car of the year 2021. Outstanding machine.

[@CHWBAKA450]

I have a very similar R32 as this one. Love it. I’ve owned it since new in 2007. Would love to see more detail on all the special features of this car - Lear’s see the bay, the exhaust, suspension etc… I know you were talking the R32 in general here, but maybe a future video featuring special touches.

[@HSGAutomotive]

This one is long sold, but funnily enough I have purchased an R32 myself not long ago

[@carlover9548]

Awesome video!! I have the lucky of see almost every day a MKV R32 with aftermarket exhaust and it's amazing! Keep uploading more content!

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice, glad you enjoyed it bud

[@torstenkaus3559]

That video opening with that engine "music" was just perfect 😚 There simply is no replacement for displacement.. It's a shame Volkswagen is no longer offering a six-banger in it's "R"-models .. 😩

[@HSGAutomotive]

Yeah gorgeous sound, and yes the VR6 era will be missed for sure. This and the much less talked about Passat R36

[@Poorsche]

I’ve had mine since 2017 (mk5 r32 #563 , super reliable and fun car. I’ve added a borla non res catback, afe intake, Airlift suspension along with a couple other upgrades. Biggest thing with these is keeping up with the maintenance. I’m proud to say I do t have a cel light and it’s been my daily up until last month. Dbp 🙌🏽

[@88tmilko]

Had mine for 3 years and will never sell it!

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice one, I can totally get it 🤙

[@s1_vbe]

Looking at getting my first one but watching great videos like this one to understand the best buying tips.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice one, plenty to love in the R32 for sure

[@gillesLegein]

I have a blue one since november and my dream is fulfilled haha. The sound and the spacious interiour are my favorites. I also really like the design of the mk5 . I drive it only on sunny days. New doing some OEM+ mods and she recently got a full inspection and maintenance done 😎

[@gillesLegein]

The only thing which I hate is the rust on the arches + the top layer is starting to peel off. So I need to invest in a full respray I guess but it's expensive. Also the engine chain does worry me but she sounds healthy.

[@kanishasilva276]

Just purchased one in Japan, very much looking forward to physically see it

[@HSGAutomotive]

Ey nice. I ended up buying one myself last month too, imported from Japan lol 😂

[@neblolthecarnerd]

I like and respect the r32 skyline however I prefer this r32 just because of the concept and the oddball coolness of it. Luckily I don’t believe the jdm fanboys watch your vids so I won’t be flamed for my opinion here 😂.

[@Zim5.0]

Yeah The JDM and Tesla fanboys are the cancer of the car community.

[@sauceyful]

Excellent video mate

[@HSGAutomotive]

Thanks bud, glad you enjoyed it

[@MRSTYFFakaLloydDStiff1]

I've been looking for a sc kit for my 08 R32 for the last 2yrs but can't find one only turbo kits. 350 to 400 hp will b perfect . With a turbo set up I wld have to get rid of my super sprint headers which I dnt want to get rid of. Car currently running 13.8 vis draggy. It has full super sprint exhaust from headers back, ECS intake United Motorsport tune from ecu, dsg & haldex, 034 sway bar & engine mount, ST coilovers ect

[@marcwhitaker6885]

U couldn’t have said it any better I got one two months ago yes door lock as gone noisy struts and head liner drops but over hall engine good dsg good not much off a kick but powers all way there the engine sound just better then listening to the radio

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice. There may end up being an R32 in my future, who knows 🤙😜

[@emmacathie3924]

I have a mk5 r32 and I LOVE IT! Best looking golf regardless😍😎 Great video🙌🏻🤟🏻

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice one ✌️

[@davexjs5889]

Nice Car Top Review Thanks.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Glad you enjoyed it bud

[@timedvardsson2254]

Hello man great video! What are those rims i also have an r32 and realy lovr those rims! Happy for answers 👍👍

[@HSGAutomotive]

Bought one myself since this review, but no idea on the rims this one has unfortunately

[@timedvardsson2254]

@@HSGAutomotive okay thank you anyways man happy for the answer good videos 😊

[@Benjaber74]

I own one mk5 R32 red color.. What a car

[@arrbek2359]

Other things that 'go' in time in an R32... Plastics. The little air vent adjustors. The clips that hold the audio frame and the top vent in. The fuking console accordion drawer.

[@landrover3596]

I can't agree with you more with your review of the awesome R32. Had a MK4 R32 with a stage 2 VF ENGINEERING SUPER CHARGER. How I miss the R32. The only reason I don't like the MK5 R32 it's because here in the state's they didn't offer it with a manual. Not to fond of the DSG transmission. I believe a hot hatch should be 2 door's and a manual I absolutely hate the golf R fart maker's and who designed the mk8 golf R? Can you say ugly as sin? Nice review 👌

[@Benzz90]

Took me a while in the UK to find mine for this exact reason.. lucky last year I picked up a 2009 with 49k miles on the clock, wingback seats and manual 👏 epic car and I watch these supercharge videos patiently waiting for the day mine becomes the same 😂

[@vuyolwethutshirana3144]

They also have some timing chain issues when they have high mileage...

[@HammerDrew]

Did you buy this car? I was the previous owner who had it supercharged, just curious to know? 😀

[@HSGAutomotive]

No haha. Loved this one, but mines’ here on the channel. A totally stock silver 5 door imported from Japan 🤙 well, stock until a recent muffler delete, lol

[@HammerDrew]

Ah I see. Good review 👍🏻 What was the asking price can you remember?

[@HSGAutomotive]

@@HammerDrew I can’t recall exactly, I wanna say 15-18k or something maybe

[@wedrive525it]

Very easy to work on. Not as easy as an 90s BMW but more reliable. My only complaint would be Volkswagen understeer. Has the m car feel plus extreme ahead of time Volkswagen engineering. Keeps up with Super sports cars stock. Considering it’s hp stock you wouldn’t expect it to travel like it does. Poor mans 911. Or modern 914 car.

[@Leathersladekitchen]

I went from an R32 DSG to a 635d as my usage changed, would I have another R32? Yes, but I have a few things to tick off the list first. They’re great cars, the noise is intoxicating, and regardless what folk say, they’re not slow. However, and as you know, a stock, let alone mapped 635d would destroy one on figures whilst doing 48mpg...

[@HSGAutomotive]

Both great choices in the BnC roster, lol 👌

[@freepalestinelonglivegaza9416]

@@HSGAutomotivelifes to short to think about mpg, in a 100 years time it won’t even matter !! P.s that Diesel engine tappets are soul destroying when your sat idle, and B roads on a rainy day, the bmw would be more fun but cant power around the bends, but yeh life’s happens and mpg comes in the equation

[@robberth6947]

For me the sweet spot is the Audi TT 3.2 roadster, the VR6 in a roadster with an aluminum body😃. As a roadster it doesn’t pretend to be a sportscar

[@HSGAutomotive]

The first car I ever went over 100 mph in as a kid, a friends' red TT 3.2 Roadster

[@DendroR32]

no, it's not too much in fact it's to little they should bring back the Vr6 and put the 3.6 into it

[@adrianrobinson8458]

You forget to mention that VW have replaced the R32 V6 with the golf R 3.6 biturbo, everyone speaks about the 2.0 golf R however, you all forgot about the 3.6 biturbo golf R, which is your modern R32 golf.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Because they didn't. HGP motorsport built it, not Volkswagen.

[@xxhydraxx6351]

What are your rims & specs on your rims and tires???? Because I wanna get rims like that for mine :) and are you running spacers too???

[@HSGAutomotive]

This one isn't mine, so no idea now unfortunately, its long sold

[@JC_46]

How does the RS4 (B7 or B8 as they seem to be similar money atm) compare to a supercharged R32? Which would you have? How are they different?

[@HSGAutomotive]

I haven't driven the B7 as yet, but the B8 is a good motor. The Golf is far more engaging to drive than the B8, but if you need the extra space then the B8 is for you, available as a wagon only of course.

[@oclv110sl]

Any details about the supercharger set up?

[@Driff97]

This car was in Test Drive Unlimited, and for some reason with a level 3 tune the gearbox was glitched, as 5th gear felt like it should be placed before 4th.

[@Driff97]

Also this is personally one of the best sounding startups in this series so far.

[@HSGAutomotive]

For sure, almost sounds like the GranTurismo

[@shouclak]

Hi! Could you tell what is the exhaust system on the R32 in this video? Thanks!!

[@HSGAutomotive]

I believe this one was a Milltek catback, which is good for a higher pitch. Mine has a back box delete which gives a deeper pitch

[@cannonball9478]

Cheers 🤦‍♂️ now I’m scouring auto trader for these 😂

[@HSGAutomotive]

Enjoy, lol

[@nick9463]

Very well done, relaxed and enjoyable, thank you sir......I have a 2008 R32 What would I need to upgrade for a supercharger?....pistons...crank or do I have to with a well taken care of 121000 mile r33?

[@Benzz90]

Depends what stage supercharger kit you go for.. 320bhp / 350bhp / 410+ Most recommend pistons with 410+ and a head spacer but this kit is fairly a nice easy bolt on item with some additional parts ofcourse… if you are high mileage as long as it’s had a nice life then it’s probably fine for the above but this would only be told with checking them prior to works going ahead to confirm.. The best mod I ever did was the suspension, Bilstein B14, whiteline antilift kit, whiteline front/rear ARB which make this car solid for any cornering 😁😁 also the Porsche 18Z BBK is not only a good upgrade but looks pretty behind the wheels.

[@MrBluebilko]

Are you allergic to manual gearshifting? Genuine question! 😁

[@HSGAutomotive]

I've driven and reviewed manuals, so no, lol. I don't find them fun, in the slightest. Outdated idea, slower, less gears, more regular repairs needed from drivers who can't use clutches, less efficient, needless third pedal to press when you don't want to as a bigger guy, the list goes on

[@MrBluebilko]

@@HSGAutomotive I love the feeling of a manual gearbox, it makes me feel more involved in the experience of driving, that satisfying ‘clunk’ is addictive imho

[@HSGAutomotive]

I also have no issue with anyone else liking manuals. I get why people like it for sure. Just not when they try to convince me why I should, lol

[@jeffthurston9835]

Some of us with back issues appreciate having a car like this.

[@garrettdrake6321]

Do you know what front and side lips were on that one? Need those for mine

[@HSGAutomotive]

I don't, sorry bud. I will say they scraped an awful lot around corners though, lol

[@paulglowacz1765]

Some days I miss my R32 😕

[@HSGAutomotive]

Can't blame ya

[@rabbiebhoy]

Why has it got a black apron instead of the usual aluminium one?

[@HSGAutomotive]

Previous owner obviously changed it. I'm not a fan personally, and have the original silver on mine

[@juanruiz8831]

Anyone knows the cosmetic upgrades?such as the splitter , side skirts , and diffuser?

[@JohyeahM]

The front and sides are easy to find...but the rear one featured here I've not been able to find anywhere. It's pretty perfect too. I'll keep looking I guess...

[@bigmafiaxx]

This one is the best golf r no argument

[@hahastler5543]

which radio you have?

[@R32-R32]

Anyone know the brand and the style of the wheels?

[@GC-pl1md]

What mods does your car have?

[@HSGAutomotive]

I've since changed up mine again, but mine was a mostly stock R32. Its here on the channel anyway, but had wingback seats, bluetooth touch screen fitted and a stainless back box bypass

[@southdakotaslim7419]

Mk5>MK4 4 sure