Went for a test drive last week in Guildford. Had seen 3 prior to this, 2 in DBP and 1 in black. IMO the black looked too bland and subdued but the DBP looked really good. The one I test drove was a 3 door DBP DSG. I parked my GTI next to it and thought the R32 looked so much better, anyone who has any reservations about the looks and especially the front should see it in the flesh before they make their minds up. The only thing I am not 100% sure about is the exhausts, they don't look bad, I just think they could look better but this was the only part I was slightly unsure about looks wise and everything else compensated for this more than enough to not put me off.
The interior of the demo had recaros with full leather. The seats were probably the best I have ever sat in, it was not hard to find a comfortable position/setup and they were really hugging. I would definitely reccomend these over the standard seats. The standard seats are the same as the GTI and are also really good but the recaros are so much better. The rest of the interior is very similar to the GTI with the exception of the aluminium effect which is ok ish.
The drive itself blew me away. I was out for approx 40 mins on A and B roads including the A3 between Guildford and M25 so equivalent to M/W. The car felt so much quicker than the GTI (I know in reality its very similar in terms of performance, just how it felt), the 4WD obviously made a huge difference, there was no wheelspin when putting foot down etc which is happening loads with the GTI at the moment in this weather. Although there is not loads of torque steer on the GTI it is still noticeable but on the R32 it didnt exist. The handling on sweeping bends, corners and roundabouts etc gave a lot more confidence, it felt more planted and there seemed to be a lot less body roll although the recaros could have contributed to this feeling. The sound of the 3.2 was awesome which just completed the whole package.
Overall my only reservation is the look of the rear tailpipes and this is not a major one at all. It may look slightly chavish but my view on it is that it is standard and people in the know will know it is not modded etc and I reckon someone like Milltek will bring out an option similar to the Mk iv anyway.
To conclude, I am placing an order for a 3 door, DBP, manual, recaros, leather once I find a dealer who has an early allocation.
People are saying that the performance of this car is very similar to the GTI i.e. 0 - 60 and top speed etc which I agree with but that is in ideal conditions and that is where the similarity ends. Anyone who thinks it is a similar car to the GTI is wrong in my opinion, the way it drives and handles is far superior to the GTI. For me to get a similarly specced R32 to my GTI is going to cost me an extra 2k on top of what I paid for the GTI which I do not think is an excessive amount for what you are getting.
Have a deposit on a current demonstartor and collect it on the 22nd Feb and also about to place a factory order which should turn up in about 12 months time.i
