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Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: GTiMK5 on 29 November 2005, 22:32
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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
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Great review.........and IÂ’m with you about the exhausts, theyÂ’re far, far to chavish for a Golf.:wink:
As I get to drive my other half’s Scooby WRX from time to time, I couldn't agree more about the merits of permanent four wheel drive this time of year. While powerful two wheel drive cars (front or rear) are struggling to put the power down to the tarmac it never ceases to amaze me how much grip a good four wheel drive system brings to the party in the most testing of conditions – just so long as you remember you can’t stop any quicker of course……………. :shocked:
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Very good review.. :cool:
I spotted a new R32 at the local dealers last week when I popped in...tbh I wasn't very impressed by the looks, all the chrome on the grille looked a bit out of place and, as you say, the exhaust is just wrong. The wheels are also something that didn't do anything for me, I think that's why I spent more time looking at the GTI parked next to it :undecided:
I've not driven either of the cars but I can imagine that the R32 would outshine the GTI in that department and therefore make all of the above irrelevant anyway :wink:
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Excellent write-up, good to get an opinion from someone who has had/will have both cars.
Good luck with it when it arrives.
R :smiley: :smiley:
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Yup, agreed, good review there. If I can ever afford one I'll go for the R32 then. :grin:
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Hi gtimk5,
Glad to read your review on r32, i just placed deposit last month but i read some other review of the car magazine in Hong Kong, and they said the character of r32 is totally difference than gti, it's not that sporty at all as gti, and the steering for corner driving is not as good as gti, and the recaros seat of the 3 doors version has stupid setting when somebody wants to get into backseat, it doesn't has the grip to put the front back toward to front. The only advantage of r32 seems to be fast, fast and very fast but less excitment than gti in term of driving, especially the sound effect is very subtle and not good as gti. I just worry that it is just another mature Mercede rather than a sporty racing car.
I hope you can give me some opinion because you have tried the r32, and I am consider to change my deposit to a 2006 gti or might be a 30 anniversary version gti with 220 bhp which will arrive end 2006.
Have a nice day!
bleu
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Hi blue610,
It is a personal opinion on how you view the GTI against the R32. Personally I think it looks a lot better certainly in Deep Blue Purple. My GTI was parked next to it and the R32 looked much better. The R32 is definitely sporty, it has bags of character about it and the steering is as good as the GTI. The recaros are brilliant and are easy to operate in the 3 door, there is a button in the space of the headrest that you press to operate and they operate in a very similar way to the standard seats. The standard seats are good but in my opinion the Recaros are better but that could be because I have driven a GTI with the same seats and so the Recaros distinguish it more and set it apart from the inside of the GTI.
I found the R32 much more exciting than the GTI and it was much more fun to drive especially in the current weather conditions we have here in the UK at the moment. As for the sound, it is so much better than the GTI, the GTI does not even come close to it. I have a milltek cat back non resonated on the GTI and the standard R32 still sounds much better than this, the GTI will never match the sound of a V6 at the end of the day.
If it was me I would keep the order for the R32, the GTI is good but in my opinion the R is better and if you change to the GTI you may well end up regretting it. Maybe you should try and arrange a back to back test drive of the two and that way you will know what you prefer yourself as what I like may be different but I think you would still choose the R
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dear gtimk5,
it's really so much thanks to your advice, i think i will keep the order of r32
what do you think of the first accerlation of r32? people said that v6 engine is so heavy at the front, so it doesn't start as quick as the gti, and gti has strong feeling of driving fast, but r32 chasis is so strong and stable so it doesn't feel quick even u are driving at 240 kms, pls let me know some of your drive feeling in r32.
do u know any informations about the 30th annverisary version gti?
hope that u don't mind all that questions
best regards
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I got a MK 5 Gti (5 door, Blue graphite, leather ,satnav, 18' alloy's etc) back in May. I think it's great, drives beautifully and I think looks really mean especially with the 18'' alloys - they look so much better than the 17'' - I just wish the insurance company agreed with me! Also the dark colour emphasis the red surround around the grill. I made the mistake of test driving the R32 yesterday. Externally I think(at the moment) I prefer the looks of the Gti. I am not sure about the central tailpipes on the R32, I think the Gti's offset ones look fantastic. Once I got in the R32 the cabins are very similar although the demonstrator had the Ricardo front leather seats which hug you but look crap. Once I started the R32 up that's where the bug bites you - you can't beat the sound of a V6! She gets the power down beautifully - not a hint of wheel scrabble even when flooring it in low gears where my Gti would be scrabbling for grip. Handling wise the R32 feels more surefooted & confident & feels quicker than the Gti - the dogs bollocks! My wife had a shot too & she loved it(watch the alloys dear).
When we got back to the dealer I couldn't help myself. I've ordered a 5 door R32 in deep blue with DSG this time - I think it will suit the engine beautifully whereas I tried the DSG in the Gti which I thought was excellent but it makes the engine or exhaust note sound more whiny compared against my standard manual which sounds good. Leather seats, satnav & a few other toys. I love the Gti and I would advise anyone to buy one - it's a car you'll be proud of to sit in your driveway and has tonnes of street cred but the R32 is even better! My dealer Sidlow at Gatwick has already shifted 8, I'm No 9 so at 1 a month per dealer I've got to wait till next September before it arrives. The good news is I've got my Gti till then! I'm not a particularly flash git or absolutely loaded - generally speaking I'm careful with my money (being a Scottish) but I couldn't help myself - you only live once!
The lesson here everyone is if you've got a Mk5 Gti be very careful if your planning to test drive the R32, it will put you in a dilemma - a nice one at that!!!!!!! :grin:
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Sorry folks - Rog again - in the previous post spell check managed to change the front leather seats from Ricaro to Ricardo. Also the dogs bollocks to the dogs nuts! Anyway both the Gti & R32 are that! :laugh:
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Hello gents, and could I be so bold, (as a newbie) to offer a slightly alternative view-point ?
I would start by admitting that I really don`t know too much about the GTI, or R32 at this stage, as I`m just aboout to collect my (slightly) used `05 GTI on Monday, and I`ve never even driven the R32.
I can, however, offer an opinion about All-Wheel-Drives, as I`m just defecting from a Subaru STI to the Golf. As you say, the R32 will, no doubt, grip the roads very well in the current weather conditions (and the dry of course), but, in doing so, will cosset you in a way that front/rear drive cars can`t.
Surely a good thing ?, you may say, (and I wouldn`t really disagree), but what I did notice, when test-driving my prospective GTI the other day, was that it can actually be more fun to HAVE to control the slides that an AWD won`t induce ie, it can actually be more fun for the car to be slightly LESS efficient in the way it puts the power down, if that makes any sense ? (I apologise in advance if it doesn`t   :grin:)
Don`t get me wrong, the Scooby has been devastatingly quick, in all weathers, due to its AWD system, and it never actually crossed my mind that this wasn`t the way to go, whilst I`ve been driving it, but when I drove the GTI a few days ago, I enjoyed having to feel for the traction a bit more on the bends, and realised afterwards that I had missed this in the Scoob.
Having said all that, I`m sure you will enjoy your R32`s gents, as they look fabulous in the flesh (so to speak), so just ignore my ramblings ( :embarassed:) and enjoy your AWD`s...................................Good luck.  :smiley:
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Hi Recee,
Did you feel the R32 is not as sporty as GTI? because the car is more heavy especially the V6 engine at the head, and the car keep pushing on the twisty road because the over power bhp. That's all the opinion from my friend after a test drive, what do you think?
anyway, i am sure the fuel consumption of R32 will be at least 20% higher than GTI
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Went for a second test drive in a manual this time last week. The dealer gave me the keys and let me go out on my own which was a nice surprise (could be due to the fact I had already placed a factory order so he didnt need to sell it to me). I was out for about 90 mins mainly on A and B roads and some dual carriageway. All I can say is wow, it just got better and better the more I drove it. It convinced me that I have made the right choice in changing from the GTI to the R and also convinced me that for me the manual is the best choice. Now have to wait a while, got a Jan build date so hoping to see it sometime in March.
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Just here to stick a spanner in the works.........my local VW dealer had an R32 and GTI next to each other and I have to say that the GTI looked a million times better to me. Sorry! Having said this, I do think the new R32 is an awesome car, I know Autoexpress 'accidentally' hit 168mph in their test of one as the limiter wasnt working!!
I'd still go for the GTI though as I dont own any oil fields! This is probably the same reason that I chose my MK4 1.8T over the similar priced V6 4Motion.......Stupid Me!!!!!!!!!!!
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Just here to stick a spanner in the works.........my local VW dealer had an R32 and GTI next to each other and I have to say that the GTI looked a million times better to me.
Doesnt stick a spanner in the works for me, I think the R looks much better in the right colour, i.e. Deep Blue but appreciate we all have different tastes which is a good thing otherwise life would be very boring.
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Want sporty, steering feel and fun? Put 90 % of the money in the bank and buy a mark 2 :wink: Believe me, less is more.
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You mean RECARO? :grin::laugh: :grin:
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driven both and keeping the GTI, dislike the chrome on the front of the R32, especially when you come up behind someone and they see the black (on sliver on mine) front.
also think the finnish of the trim inserts looks cheap compared to the GTI.
performance wise not much in it except the r32 is better mid range
all i can say is fuel.. i get on average 30mpg out of the GTI messing about in an r32 for a weekdn the best we could get was 19mpg... if you want a faster GTI get it chipped by QST!
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I have been on a good drive in an R32 and I L O V E D I T so much I went back to the garage and ordered one straight away! :laugh:
I ordered it in the Grey but when I saw DBP I fell in love and changed mine to it!
The spec I ordered is: Cruise, DVD navi, Leather, Lux pack 2, Pearl paint, Reversing sensors, Winter pack and, of course the DSG gear box!
Can't wait for it to land but I know I'll miss my GTi in some areas :cry:
PS the metal trim inserts are the same in the R32 as they are in the VEYRON :drool:
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What annoys me about the R32 is the Jetta Sport has a near identical chrome front end.. I assume all Golfs will be facelifted soon to incorporate the big grill, then there will be even less differentiating the sportier models.
I know 'less is more', but am I alone in wishing the Gti and R32 would shout just a little louder?
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Guys, good reviews btw, a bit of advice please :smiley:
I know its a GTI forum however this is related. I have had an EOS on order since Feb last year after seeing it at the motor show. I have just seen the latest pictures of it and I am disapointed :cry: The show car rocked. :drool:
Now I know the EOS will come in 2 levels of trim, base and sport, with the sport having 17" ove 16", lowered suspension and uprated ICE. I think the base model (1.6) is going to start at £19,500 approx. Now no one wants the base 1.6 of anything do they, so when I ask for the 2.0 or 2.0T sport model I am expecting a £23 - 25k price tag. :shocked:
Thinking about this the other day, I though would I be better off getting a fully speced GTI or maybe a 3 door R32??
Your views??
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test drive the GTI and R32 and decide which one you want :smiley:
Saw the R32 yesterday and it didn't look as bad as the press photos have shown it. Interior is such a nice place to be too.
At the end of the day, ditch the order for the EOS and get ether the GTI or R32 - you won't regret it :wink:
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Thanks mate, must admit that is the way I am thinking.
Got a MK4 GT TDI 130 myself at the mo, bought it brand new. Absolutely love it, how is yours?
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got the same myself!!
Got it Friday - loving it at the moment, even though I'm stuck in work and its sat in the car park :laugh:
Its great blasting past people without even trying!! Have to get a speed camera detector though; many a time I've though i was doing 70 and it was closer to 100!!! :embarassed: :wink:
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Drove the R32 manual today, totally awesome. :drool: Think you would have to work the gearbox hard though to get the best out of it. Handling was great with the 4WD but it did feel slightly heavy under acceleration, was particularly flat when booting it in 4th. Still want one :grin:
Unfortunately its circa £25k and I would be pushing the boat out (with insurance and running costs) to get one. Also the waiting list is bloody huge :angry:
Going to test the GTI next week, think that may be the better option.
Anyone know of any good dealers in the south west who may give a bit of a discount? :wink:
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Paulm007
If I were you, i'd buy an ex demo GTI now, keeping the EOS order in place. You won't see your Eos until September anyway so you'll get six months to test drive the GTI. If, you find that the GTI is too good to give up, keep it. You'll get list price (or more) on the EOS because the dealer will have sold out (we have already for 2006). The friendly dealer may even give your deposit back (they will be desperate for your Eos as they'll have a lsit for it).
Worst case scenario is that you've had a GTi for six months. lost a tiny bit on it and you've got an Eos.
As for discount, you'll be lucky! Most self respecting dealers won't discount the GTi because us dealers are in a rare situation where we've got three hot products (GTI, R32 and Eos) and we've got waiting lists. It hasn't happend since the New Beetle came out and we're milking it. If you've got cars sitting round gathering dust, then you'll discount. If you have to order everything and you're not going to get you rmoney for six to twelve months (or three for a GTI) you've got no incentive to discount especially if you know they'll be someone else who'll happily buy that car. Until the buzz around GTi dies off and it is starting to, to be fair, you'll be very lucky to find discount.
I'm standing by to be corrected tho :grin:
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Oh, and in my opinion, and i've driven both the R32 and the GTi at length. I'd go for a GTI over the R32 but only because I personally prefer the power delivery of the 4cyl turbo over the V6. The R has a beautiful engine and noise but I find the GTi more fun. I think it feels quicker under acceleration due to the turbo rather than the smooth wind up on the R32.
The Gti seems to feel more agile but thats probably just down to the above.
The Recaro big seats are stunning in the R32 and are now available on the GTi. Just shy of 2400 quid if you have them leathered though!!!!! :shocked:
VWmd
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paulm007 - EOS prices and spec were confirmed today. If you're interested i'll pass them on.
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Great reading fellas, nice and balanced...
We've driven both back-to-back with the initial thoughts of buying a R32 to replace the A3 3.2 Q.
I know what you mean about security and the sound of the R32, but the Gti just got under my skin that little bit more! I thought the sound was awesome from the R32, but then the Gti sounded pretty darn good as well. But it's all about the drive........ The R32 was a better package than the current A3 we have but the Gti just felt so nimble!! It reminds me of our old 306 Gti-6 we had a few years back, awesome. Both were great but the Gti just pips it for me.... well the misses, but I have told her that if she doesn't get on with it not having 4x4 like her Audi, then I'll get rid of my Boxster at the end of the year and take the Gti from her :wink:
Matty
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Hello gents, and could I be so bold, (as a newbie) to offer a slightly alternative view-point ?
I would start by admitting that I really don`t know too much about the GTI, or R32 at this stage, as I`m just aboout to collect my (slightly) used `05 GTI on Monday, and I`ve never even driven the R32.
I can, however, offer an opinion about All-Wheel-Drives, as I`m just defecting from a Subaru STI to the Golf. As you say, the R32 will, no doubt, grip the roads very well in the current weather conditions (and the dry of course), but, in doing so, will cosset you in a way that front/rear drive cars can`t.
Surely a good thing ?, you may say, (and I wouldn`t really disagree), but what I did notice, when test-driving my prospective GTI the other day, was that it can actually be more fun to HAVE to control the slides that an AWD won`t induce ie, it can actually be more fun for the car to be slightly LESS efficient in the way it puts the power down, if that makes any sense ? (I apologise in advance if it doesn`t   :grin:)
Hi guys - another newbie here (whose partner is about to pick up a new GTi next Sat :smiley:) and I'd have to agree with encee.
Have been a passenger in the prev R32, and I loved it, the car felt so planted, and sure-footed, but I've also prev had a Jap AWD car - Mitsubishi 3000 GTO twin turbo - and you could do silly speeds in all conditions on all roads, but at the end of the day, it was never challenging or thrilling to drive unless you managed to find a clear stretch of road to go at v v stupid speeds, which was rare.
After that had a Fiat Coupe Turbo for a while, but it understeered like a pig and ride was too harsh, really spoiled the car, which was great in many other respects.
After that I had a Honda S2000 for a couple of years, which has a reputation for spitting owners backwards into hedges / fields etc, but at the end of the day it was soooo much more fun and involving to drive! You knew if might bite you, so you have to treat with respect, and in poor conditions this may mean driving slower than FWD hatch drivers, bit it was without doubt a much more fun and rewarding car to drive.
I don't doubt the new R32 is a great car, and will keep you safe and get you around v quickly, but will it be as involving?
Again, my personal opinion, but I really don't like the new grille, the exhausts, or the wheels. I thought the old R32 was a much meaner looking car, and GTi also better looking. R32 grille is too similar to Passats and some other VW's.
Matt555 - were you on S2ki.com?
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Again, my personal opinion, but I really don't like the new grille, the exhausts, or the wheels. I thought the old R32 was a much meaner looking car, and GTi also better looking. R32 grille is too similar to Passats and some other VW's.
Matt555 - were you on S2ki.com?
Sure was Alex, yourself? I arranged a few meets around the Oxford area when i was a member.... Also on honda revolutions......
Matty
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Sure was Alex, yourself? I arranged a few meets around the Oxford area when i was a member.... Also on honda revolutions......
Matty
Yup, AlexC on S2ki - I went to the first 3 SuperMeets, and organised some "Sussex Chapter" meets - crispy duck massacre, cinema visits to creepy Crawley. Still occasionally post on there.
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Sure was Alex, yourself? I arranged a few meets around the Oxford area when i was a member.... Also on honda revolutions......
Matty
Yup, AlexC on S2ki - I went to the first 3 SuperMeets, and organised some "Sussex Chapter" meets - crispy duck massacre, cinema visits to creepy Crawley. Still occasionally post on there.
Nice one fella, i'll pop over and see if we cross over..... No S2K for you anymore then?
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No S2K for you anymore then?
Nope, sold nearly 2 years ago now, have been running a TVR Tamora since then :grin:
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To the tamora :laugh: nice one....
I went from S2K to Civic Sport to Civic Type-R to BMW 320D to Porsche Boxster S!!!!!! The best yet :evil: :evil:
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I went from S2K to Civic Sport to Civic Type-R to BMW 320D to Porsche Boxster S!!!!!! The best yet :evil: :evil:
Interesting route to the Porker - very nice car :smiley:
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LOL, good fun mind :laugh:
What about yourself, was it S2K to Tamora? Everyday motor? :smug:
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What about yourself, was it S2K to Tamora? Everyday motor? :smug:
Yup, it was S2k to Tamora, and for the first 8 months it was my daily driver. In the end realised this not the best idea - fuel, expensive servicing, depreciation etc - so got a Focus 1.8 Zetec for daily drive, great car for that job.
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Yup, it was S2k to Tamora, and for the first 8 months it was my daily driver. In the end realised this not the best idea - fuel, expensive servicing, depreciation etc - so got a Focus 1.8 Zetec for daily drive, great car for that job.
Nice one, i can only imagine what the Tamora was like as a daily driver!!! :evil:
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And dragging this back on topic - there is a good R32 review on Pistonheads, which Matt555 and I have both posted on:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=86&t=264803
Reviewer was not convinced about DSG, but the debate goes on in the forum.
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IÂ’ve now had both the Mk5 GTi and R32 as you all know and after living with the two of them IÂ’m going to present my findings.
The difference is (to me):
GTI =
The best looking Mk5 Golf in Black with 18" Monza.
More Fun Orientated.
The lightest golf bar the 1.4 - how many of you didnÂ’t know that!
Great road holding - a joy to drive.
Great noises from engine and sounds even better with DSG as it burbles between high speed gear changes.
Fast a-b.
All the thrills and spills of FWD and 200 BHP.
Not all that in the wet ok once going though!
Great residual value.
I miss her - I had her 6 months and drove 3000 miles.
R32 =
Second best looking Mk5 BUT that DBP is the best colour - it should be called FECK OFF BLUE coz when people see it gleaming in the sunshine they say "Feck off look at that R32, Golf etcÂâ€ÂÂÂÂ
Its a more serious tool.
Fantastic road holding (ESP OFF) - it never feels like you’ve got a v6 lump in the front!
The best sounding golf ever - donÂ’t even think about challenging it in this area - have you ever heard one of these babies go? - They sound like a V8 rubble at low revs and a metallic thrashing sound at high revs - nice :wink:
Very, very fast a-b especially in the wet - far more nimble in traffic than you'd think btw
Non of the 2WD thrills BUT you do get a very nice predicable and easy to manage 4 wheel drift at the edge of its road holding ability (ESP OFF)
What rain?
Even better residual value!
I love this car - I've had her 6 weeks and have covered 1700 miles!
Choice between the two if they were on my path...
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Doc
As always a pleasure to read your posts. So the question is which one to buy (as not all of us have your life :cry:!!)
Is the R32 really worth the extra £Â£Ã‚£Ã‚£, worth saving up for/paying through the nose for or does the GTI tick enough boxes for the average mortal :smiley:
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Paulm007: I ordered a R32 back in Dec & I get it in 10 days time :smiley: from VW Sidlow Gatwick. I've had my GTI for 13 months now & apart from the decidedly average HiFi I've enjoyed it immensely and I think it looks really mean with the 18'' alloys and Blue Graphite paint. In my opinon the R32 is better to drive than the GTI I like the 4wd & LOVE the V6 engine! Looks wise I prefered the GTI initially but now the R32 with it's colour coded bodywork, chrome grill, twin central exhausts & even the Zolder alloys looks better than it's little sister!
So it's only my opinion but the R32 is the one to go for & if by the time you spec up the GTI with Xenons etc the R32 is not that much more expensive!! :smiley:
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:grin:
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PS after writing that I'm going to take her out and smack her A+S+S !
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Hey I'm a loony driving a GTI :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
But if the misses doesn't like the FWD come the deepest darkest depths of winter then maybe things will change........ My own personal thoughts are already known, both great cars but one has got right under my skin, damn thing is like a mossie bite :evil:
Enjoy :cool: :cool: :cool:
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Guys
Thanks for all the posts. I am going to get one (or the other not both :cry: early next year). Like Rog said, by the time all the options are on a standard GTI your not far from an R32 anyway. So if I can, which I probably cant :embarassed: i will go for the 32, if not I am sure I wont cry too much driving the GTI
Roll on next year!! :evil:
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You will love it mate!
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Ps the answer is I'd rather spend the extra 3k coz I finalised my order for Sept and it's a 3 door R32 in (SUBTLE) Silver!
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I cancelled my R32 in favour of a GTI, which I now own... why?
The cost for starters... an R32 with the same list of options as the GTI I have was £28k, athat's £3k more than my GTI. Insurance - the R32 was £300pa more and a higher excess. Running costs... servicing, petrol, etc. All more than the GTI.
Looks - my main reason for cancelling the R32. It looks very plain, boring in fact. The front grille is frankly awful and the wheels look terrible on the car. The rear exhausts I like, as well as the rear diffuser. Love the rear lights though - so I stuck these on my GTI! All I can say is, park an R32 next to a GTI and make your own mind up... the GTI is way cooler and so much classier. An R32 looks like a Passat that's been eating too much. Every time I see an R32 I'm so glad I bought a GTI!
Performance - I drove both cars and frankly the R32 is ahead here. But... 4WD is not everything and I know, having owned a couple of TT's and a V6 4Motion Golf. The V6 sound is great, but the GTI is quite vocal too. In the real world, both cars are not too far appart in terms of raw pace and I actually found the GTI to be much sharper, more focussed if you like. I had an R32 try it with a few days ago and all he could do was keep up - he could not get past me. That I think sums it up... well, I could mention that a small fee I have the option of making my GTI quicker than an R32.
No, as far as I'm concerned the R32 is a missed opportunity by VW. The looks are ill judged and in some colours (like Black and Red) it just looks daft. That's grille! What a mistaker to maker... bling is not in! I just don't get why VW made a mess of the new R32. It goes and handles so well, yet they style it so badly. Some may actually like it - but I like my cars to look good, as well as go well... if I was looking to spend near on £30k for a hatch, then I'd place an order for the new S3. Many an R32 buyer will wince when they see what they could have bought!
And then we have the GTI... the GTI is of course an icon. It's as fast as an R32 if you judge it from an every day driving perspective - not from how fast it'll get round a track... it looks fantastic and costs less to buy, run and own. I could on... it's just so 'right' and sorry R32 owners, but you've got the second best car VW are calling a Golf!
IMHO of course :cool:
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Blimey Pike-Man, you don't mess around with your thoughts do you :wink:
I agree with most of them though.
But if the misses needs her 4x4 security come the winter then a R32 will be ordered, I can live with that :cool: :cool: :cool:
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Nice choice :wink:
I always drive my car like its going around a track lol :grin:
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Blimey Pike-Man, you don't mess around with your thoughts do you :wink:
I agree with most of them though.ÂÂÂ
But if the misses needs her 4x4 security come the winter then a R32 will be ordered, I can live with that :cool: :cool: :cool:
:smiley: well, the R32 is not exactly a bad car, far from it... I just don't like the look of it, truth be told. BTW,4WD is not much use on ice, I've lost count of the people I've met who think that their quarttro (TT, S3, R32, etc) would give them more grip in those sort of conditions. My last few cars have all had 4WD and all been as difficult as a 2WD on ice. Well worth having when the roads get wet though... I wont be mixing it with any R32's then :wink:
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I bought my R32 because the residuals are higher on the R32 than the far more common GTi and because it just drives better. :grin:
PLUS if you supercharge the R32 your chipped tyre eating GTi is going to get the Fecking of its life :grin:
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Nah, the Gti makes for a much better drive.... R32 = overweight heavy motor..... :wink: :grin:
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PLUS if you supercharge the R32 your chipped tyre eating GTi is going to get the Fecking of its life :grin:
Yeah, but a 45bhp chip for the GTI can be had for about £500 - and whilst everyone on this forum knows that money is no object to The Doc, how much would supercharging your R32 cost? :wink:
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About the price of a decent RWD motor I'd say :rolleyes: :grin: :wink:
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Dement this :grin:
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If I wanted speed, I'd see my local dealer!!!!!!!!!!! :smug:
Finesse and Control at regular speeds is the way forward, retaining your licence whilst grinning like a cheshire cat :cool: :cool: :cool: I'd love to see Pug bring out another 106 rally as good as the original....
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ahhh - your on drugs - that explains a lot :grin:
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My local TVR dealer fella :wink:
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If I wanted speed, I'd see my local dealer!!!!!!!!!!!  :smug:
Finesse and Control at regular speeds is the way forward, retaining your licence whilst grinning like a cheshire cat :cool: :cool: :cool: I'd love to see Pug bring out another 106 rally as good as the original....
Ah, 106 rallye - another car i want to own.
Think I'm in to the finesse side of things too Matt. Not too bothered about grunt, but stringing together some challenging B road corners floats my boat :smiley:
I still want to see a DOC R32 supercharged though
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It's the satisfaction and grin factor, that's brought on when I 'just get it right' on a B road that gets me going. The Boxster S is certainly one that ticks the boxes, last night for example. I took the misses out for her birthday, some 35 mile drive cross country each way and with her a little tiddly in the passenger seat I gave it some beans on the way back at midnight. Wow was it awesome, some of the roundabouts were so cool that I went around them twice :evil:
Sledgehammer performance has it's place, albeit at Santapod :wink:
If Doc get the supercharger, then we'll have to have a meet at somewhere nice and quiet so he can demo the R32. That would make for one beast of a motor, but I think some light weight alloys would add to the pleasure :cool: :cool: :cool:
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imagine a stripped-out, light weight supercharged R32 :evil: :drool: :cool:
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About half the price of the motor in my scooby! :wink:
Modified is modified and I have raced modded Mk5 gtis and non were as quick 0-60 and the R32 killed them on the 0-100! :grin:
Sorry mate - that's BS. My mates GTI that's been tweaked by AmD runs at 255bhp. It did 0 - 60mph in 5.9secs amd 0 - 100mph in 14.6 secs on a dry run last week. Your bog standard R32 may just keep up to 60 but it will not be able to match the 0- 100mph figure. Can you not get over the fact that the R32 is not everyones cup-of-tea? It's also not that much quicker than a GTI in the real world. I've had two R32's attempt a bit of one upmanship with me and neither got past me, especially on a twisty road :wink: and I have not had my car remapped... yet :drool: Here's a tip - take the bling off the front of your R32, put it in the living room - it would make a great fire place :grin:
The r32 is a fine car, but 9/10 people I come accross, who have driven both, prefr the GTI - both in terms of cost, LOOKS, performance and handling. I've not read a motoring mag yet where they chose the R32 above the GTI in direct comparison :rolleyes:
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Dement this :grin:
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Yes of course your correct - I'm miles off - I'll sell the R32 tomorrow and buy a GTI - thanks for the education.
My pleasure :wink:
I also don't agree that all mags say the GTI is BETTER than the R32. Thats a load of rubbish - I'm sure that they compare them but at the end of the day the R32 is faster in all areas, and handles FAR better in the wet with NO torque steer, plus it depends upon what YOU want out out of a car not a journalist or other people on forums or your mates or there mates etc
Not quite what I said - "... chose the R32 above the GTI ..." I did not say BETTER :rolleyes:
BUT both it and the GTi are great all rounders but, for me ( and all the moaning from you isn't going to change this ) the R32 has far superior and brilliant wet weather performance (for a 30k hatch - which is cheap money IMHO) and its great for going the shops, B&Q and the like, Also it makes life easier driving around car shops to go see the cars I really, really want...
I agree - I have a Cayman S . The GTI is my practicle car, used for everyhting day-to-day and yet it's still good fun. The porsche is my toy and what a toy it is :smiley:
After all its only a Golf... :wink:
Yes it is! If we all liked the same things, wouldn't life be boring! The best thing about the R32 IMHO is the noise - now, there's something the GTi can't match! All the best - Mark.
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So go on whats your excuse for not buying a 911 TURBO? :grin:
And what a SHAT toy the cayman is...
so here's some of my advice...
...dump yer birds car and buy a real porker!
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So go on whats your excuse for not buying a 911 TURBO? :grin:
And what a SHAT toy the cayman is...
so here's some of my advice...
...dump yer birds car and buy a real porker!
I try to be nice, but you're obviously a prize idiot (and that's being polite). A 911 turbo costs a fair bit of money don't you know? Even an early 996 is still way out of my budget. I did consider a C4S, but the Cayman is just stunning. I could buy two R32's for what the Cayman cost of course, but hey, the Cayman is twice the car, well, ten times really. Stunning looks, awsome performance, I could go on but I'm not too sure you'd be intelligent enough to comprehend what I'm talking about :rolleyes: Clearly, you need to grow up a little. Is the R32 really yours - or is it your mummy's :grin:
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Dement this :grin:
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Dement this :grin:
(http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/3212/dsc02883ar8.jpg)
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newbie here. just sold my audi TT 225 coupe wich was tuned to 288bhp. started looking at the mk5 gti as i needed a practical car but something to have fun in on a weekend etc. so i had a few test drives in the gti. handling i thought was pretty good power not bad, so after 4 test drives decided to start specing my order, 18's , xenons, armrest , leather because i didnt like the check cloth. then got some prices for the sills and rear bumper painting, front valance painting , then a price from AMD for a remap £820 inc vat FFS thats expensive. basically to get the car how i wanted and with the extra insurance for a modified car it was getting expensive.
so i think an r32, dont really like the grille as much as the Gti, but the rest of the car is more finished, so on friday i went for a test drive at wakefield vw. took it to the post office roundabout at haigh, if anyone knows it. anyway asked the salesman (who is an old friend) if i could give some pan handle, he says go ahead. all i could think was frick me this thing is ace, the chassis is balanced perfectly. it does handle better than the gti. and the bonus for me is in standard form its got everything i want, xenons , 18's , plain design trim, a decent amount of power, superb handling, nice soundtrack.
i suppose the bad point is 27 mpg as opposed to the gti's 37mpg but i dont do alot of miles and a remaped Gti will be down to low 30's after a remap.
as for power alot of r32's that have being rolling roaded are putting out 260+bhp in standard form
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Thanks for that I've not laughed so much in ages my side's hurt :grin:! Glad to see this is an environment for CAR enthusiasts to share opinions in a grown up way. No one acting like a spoiled 12 year old hear then. Didn't no that i needed to take a photo of my bank balance to show everyone when on the GOLF MK5 forum. I'm not fortunate enough to be able to own more than one car but I love my MK5 Golf GTI with a passion and did not like the R32 as much. Not because I could not afford it or didn't have the sense to buy one. Didn't want a cruiser. That's not meant to start a 3 month hissy fit or a reply of 'My nobs bigger than your's'/ 'wait till I get my hands on you sunny!!!!' It's my opinion. We're all hear coz we love car's and love the cars we drive, can't we all just be friends :undecided:? There's no wonder the MK 1/2 boy's have no respect for MK5 drivers. :sick:
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Glad you liked it... :grin:
I *think* I help a lot more than I hinder...
...now lets go forward instead of flogging this well dead nag :wink:
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I'm not questioning that. I've been viewing this forum for months and theres no dough your the corner stone of the tech info of this site. Just everyone has an opinion and the reason you buy your cars may not be the reason they buy there's. Don't like being told that my car's poo by a fellow Golf lover.
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ok...
...where and when did I or anyone else say that Mk5 gti's were poo???
(Yawns)
OMFG here we go again
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Chill Charlie. Sounded like you were saying next to your R32 it was? If I misinterpreted it I'm sorry. You say you remap cars done any Mk5's? If so what do you think?
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Dement this :grin:
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All weather fun! Was chased off a round about by a new Clio 197 (or what ever they are) sport this morning in the rain. Eased the power in no grip heading to wards central reservation with said Clio up me bum. Then grip, power down, DSG does its thing 120 where's the Clio gone??? Who needs coffee to wake you up in the morning?
4 wheel drive is efficient in all weathers I'll give you that. It just takes some of the fun and feel out of driving fast for me. If it was a bit more practical I'd of had a 350Z what a car! You can't beat a fast Golf though what more could you want from one car?
How would sir like his power going to the road effortless 4 wheel grip? Or mostly effortless 2wheel grip with the odd adrenaline filled moment? The choice is yours but what a choice.
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R32 is an awesome machine test drove one in germany with launch control sounded awesome at lights ready to take off. However and its a big however i have gone for Audi S3 get it jan and cant wait !!!!!!!! :rolleyes: :laugh:
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My R32 is coming next week :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: - with this new-fangled thing called DSG... just want to see what all the fuss is about. I reckon i'll still stick with the manual for my Edition 30 order though
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Enjoy buddy!
Whats the spec / colour?
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Enjoy buddy!
Whats the spec / colour?
Hi, Doc from USA. Can you please post the pics of the SILVER AND BLUE R that are in your sign? your GALLERY seems like you deleted all the pics. I’m going crazy trying to decide my next R color thanks. Where is the R32 V pics here?
(http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/8643/golffunux1.jpg)
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Nice review here http://66.102.9.104/search?q=cache:CLRfLQ3OsSEJ:www.motorpoint.com.au/volkswagengolfr32.asp+launch+control+golf+r32&hl=en&gl=uk&ct=clnk&cd=2 about the R32, interesting to read about the launch control! Cant seem to do these "secret" steps though to get it activated?
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I'm trying to convince my manager to get both a GTi and R32 onto our fleet (car hire company) and I thnk he is coming round to the idea, especially after he saw a black 3 dr gti at a Tesco car park.
How great would it be to have the AWD and engine from the R32 in a GTi body, cz looks wise, IMO, the GTi looks far better. I thought I saw a R32 but it was a Passat. Thats when I knew the GTi was for me.
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The R32 is a beast compared to the GTI.... you could always buy an R32, fit a GTI grill on it - leave the rear end as it looks spot on, supercharge the engine and have 400bhp+ on tap on a 3.2 engine instead a weedy 2 litre like in the VW study. The all you'd have to do is add a carbon bonnet and an R-GTI badge front and back - job done. :tongue: :tongue:
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Plus you'd have no traction issues as you'd have 4wd :grin: :grin:
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Or for that price just buy a RS4!
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Nice review here http://66.102.9.104/search?q=cache:CLRfLQ3OsSEJ:www.motorpoint.com.au/volkswagengolfr32.asp+launch+control+golf+r32&hl=en&gl=uk&ct=clnk&cd=2 about the R32, interesting to read about the launch control! Cant seem to do these "secret" steps though to get it activated?
Any luck with the launch control yet? If not PM me with a contact number and I call you up and talk you through it :wink:
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Been away for 2 weeks, but yes i have sorted the launch control now. Dont find it has that much advantage over just flooring it yourself. cheers for the help
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So go on whats your excuse for not buying a 911 TURBO? :grin:
And what a SHAT toy the cayman is...
so here's some of my advice...
...dump yer birds car and buy a real porker!
WHAT 911 TURBO???
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You said "I try to be nice, but you're obviously a prize idiot (and that's being polite)"
TO YOU YES!
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Well your right – so shoot me!
So sometimes on forums we have to fight fire with fire! Leading up to my top BS /banter posting there was a lot of BS /banter from all other parties involved! So don’t have a sense of humour failure guy! When I and my mates / other half were writing the replies etc we were laughing our heads off – it’s interesting how much people are offended by the bizarre! My intention was not to offend you or anyone else but to entertain and at times enrage – It worked! I think 98% Fact and BS 2% makes for an interesting life! May I also suggest that a sense of the absurd is indicative of powers of rationale, and the two are actually two sides of the same coin – you know what I mean!!
So all is super cool with me and mine but to call yourself dementor is a little on the optimistic side. So don’t hide in the closet – come out and enjoy the forum – if you are who I think you are - a possible one of three people – and two of them will reveal themselves as soon as they read this and one won’t! - So that will make it even easier :wink:
Who knows you might even be able to help these good people out a little :wink:
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Dementor eh!
I now remember why i don't surf like i used to!!
I wonder what an iSP search would bring up for you?
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There only dementing themselves me thinks!
Where have you been stranger?
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This thread makes great reading IMO
So hereÂ’s my two bob's worth, On Saturday I went over to Euro Canterbury and got talking to one of the most down to earth salesmen IÂ’ve encountered in VW. We hit it off from the word go, he was never at any point pushy and after a brief chat let me out on a black 5 door manual R32.
At first I thought it would going to be a really short around the block test drive, but we ended up doing around 30 miles
So how was it for me, well the first thing to grab me was the engine/exhaust note, and what a note, as said before that V6 rumble is soo addictive, IÂ’d like to buy one on the sound alone. :tongue:
Next was the steering feel, nicely weighted and felt better over the rough stuff, less crashing on our rotten B roads, felt more planted, like it was ploughing trough pot holes and not down them.
Performance, now this is where I felt a bit disappointed to be honest, first of all this car had only covered 1700 miles, so IÂ’d imagine the motor was still a little bit on the tight side, but it didnÂ’t feel like 3.2 litres get up and go,
DonÂ’t get me wrong, it was quick, but one of the test was, 50mph in 5th, and nail the throttle, and it felt a bit lethargic, so I knocked it down a cog, and still it felt a little bit dead, but oh that exhaust note.
Cornering, was good, as you might expect, but as it was bone dry, no true test of the car real ability, IÂ’d of had to drive like a complete idiot, to have tested it properly.
At this point the sun was setting, and the dash lights took effect, TBH I prefer the deeper blue look of my GTi, but the Xenons were already having the desired effect on the darkening tarmac.
Interior, well itÂ’s a bit like the GTi really, apart from a splash of silver around the radio, and so slightly garish silver trim on the dash and doors, not much in it, although I have too say the cloth seats in the R32 are a bit disappointing compared the Gti, no nice detail, or anything too make you feel your in something a bit special.
Exterior, well IÂ’m not a lover of the wheels, and if the right colour is chosen, the chrome detail around the grill, isnÂ’t so “in your faceÂâ€Â
But those things are personal, and apart from them, I like itÂ’s look.
So would I by one, well yes I would,
Do I think it’s worth spending another £7k and trading in my GTi, now that’s a hard one.
As I might have mentioned, the exhaust note is so addictive. :tongue:
ItÂ’s a car IÂ’d have to buy with my heart, and not my head, so IÂ’m undecided at the moment.
Thanks for listning.
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FYI my second R32 was LOTS faster than my first one, how I don't know but I wasn't complaining :grin:
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A buyer interested in my R32 test drove it and said the same thing - that his R32 felt quicker. I put it down to the fact mine had done 10k miles and his 30k miles - maybe I was wrong?
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there was in this weeks Autocar mag, a full track day list of the top 14 hot hatchbacks, which included a mk 5 R32 and a normal mk gti, they did various tests -0 to 100, lap time around a test track, stopping distance from 70 etc and desarability blardy blar,
Anyway interesting figures in comparing R32 and GTI (not sure if both models were manual or dsg)
R32....LAP TIME 1.05.75secs 7TH FASTEST ON THE DAY
0 to 100 mph 16.9 sec
TOP SPEED MID LAP ON LOCKED OFF SPEED CAM 105.2MPH
BRAKING DISTANCE 70MPH 50.7 METRES
ok now GTI
GOLF GTI LAP TIME 1.05.60 SECS 6TH FASTEST ON THE DAY
0-100mph 16.9 secs
TOP SPEED MID LAP ON LOCKED OFF SPEED CAM 104.5MPH
BRAKING DISTANCE 70MPH 53.3 METRES
OK i maight be dumb here, but why isnt the R32 not quicker!!!, 4 wheel drive and 246bhp and its the same speed around a test track then a front wheel drive 200hp GTI.
Perhaps creepy you are right in what your saying about the R32's performance isnt as great as peeps think it is, i thought the R32 was "the daddy" but after reading this, and reports on the ED 30isnt much quicker due to having understeering problems,(acoarding to most mags) dealing with the extra power, There isnt much going for an R32 and peeps are better off buying a gti or ed 30 for speed, eco friendly,running costs, insurance, tax, . ok i never driven a R32, But im sure peeps on here have had the pleasure of driving both. maybe on the road, its better but around a track , it doesnt perform as well as it should for a 3.2 litre?
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^^^^^^^^^^^I think for me in the real world day to day driving, the main gains will be better feel over the rotting roads down here in the South East. I never rag my cars, I might try to drive them fast, but never thrash them, I doubt I'll ever intentionally benefit from 4WD.
I'm just so attracted by the engine/exhaust note, normally aspirated engine and the fact there arenÂ’t so many R32's on the road.
Apart from that it's sheer indulgence.
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Hi, I have just traded an 06 GTI for a new R32, and have to agree with the comments above, yes performance is very similar to the GTI, but, when it rains I honestly don't think the GTI would see where the the R32 had gone, I drove my R32 over 80kms of challenging (2nd and 3rd gear hairpins, 4th gear sweepers) wet mountain roads yesterday, and it was a revelation, comfortable, composed and balanced, very little understeer, and no traction problems, I had driven my GTI over the same road in similar conditions a few months previously and while it turned in well, as soon as power was applied it slithered and slipped everywhere, (it was still fun though :smiley:).
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Hi Evad, good to hear from someone who's owned both, how does the ride compare between the two in your opinion. I the R32 any firmer?
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I find the overall ride of the R32 better, and that not just me, my wife and kids find it more comfortable also, sharp potholes and ridges will catch it out now and again but I expect that is down to the 18's, I had 17's on the GTI.
I must say also that while some people (not much on this forum though) deride the performance, the engine really adds soul to the car, I cannot resist driving around with the windows down and the stereo off, even in the rain! :cool:
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I find the overall ride of the R32 better, and that not just me, my wife and kids find it more comfortable also, sharp potholes and ridges will catch it out now and again but I expect that is down to the 18's, I had 17's on the GTI.
I must say also that while some people (not much on this forum though) deride the performance, the engine really adds soul to the car, I cannot resist driving around with the windows down and the stereo off, even in the rain! :cool:
That's pleasing to hear, know what you mean about the sound, I think the saleman was getting a bit cold on the test drive, as I had the window open for most of it.
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i fully agree, the sound of the v6 is awsome, im keeping away as much as poss from testing one cus i know i would be hooked aswell.As for spotting an r32 on the road, that is a rare site, exclusivity is such a buzz mate, i envy you big stylie
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i fully agree, the sound of the v6 is awsome, im keeping away as much as poss from testing one cus i know i would be hooked aswell.As for spotting an r32 on the road, that is a rare site, exclusivity is such a buzz mate, i envy you big stylie
The GTi is going to be a hard act to follow, I never really felt too much emotion when changing my cars in the past, but when a particular car has always made you smile, every time you drive it.
I suppose if I don't like the R32, I could always trade it for another GTi in a years time and not have to pay, towards a change over.
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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.ok
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
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Just out of interest, why have you pasted a copy of the original MK5 review ST225 ?
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jelous Ford owner creepy???????????? :grin:
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jelous Ford owner creepy???????????? :grin:
^^^^^ :grin: I did wonder
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alright am an r32 owner had a mk4 now have a mk5 and thinks its great its 08, deep pearl blue. new to your site but so far enjoying being a member :cool:
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ugly ugly car..ugly heavy car
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ugly ugly car..ugly heavy car
Entitled to your opinion of course but have you driven one I wonder to at least give it a chance? :rolleyes:
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ugly ugly car..ugly heavy car
looks of the car can change...and so can the weight....each to their own opinion i guess..in my opinion you dont have good taste :smiley:
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ugly ugly car..ugly heavy car
looks of the car can change...and so can the weight....each to their own opinion i guess..in my opinion you dont have good taste :smiley:
I think thats more fact that opinion :D
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ugly ugly car..ugly heavy car
looks of the car can change...and so can the weight....each to their own opinion i guess..in my opinion you dont have good taste :smiley:
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first off,i have drivin a r32 and also the mk5.there is NOTHING on this car that carrys the gti tradition.its heavy and what really bothers me is the shape..ive got an 84 mk1(vr6 swap),97 mk3 vr6, and a 88 porsche 930.u think i have bad taste do you?lets see that bubble car of yours test time.il give u 20 years. lets see who dares call that car a classic.let alone get up to 300,000 on that motor.
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ugly ugly car..ugly heavy car
looks of the car can change...and so can the weight....each to their own opinion i guess..in my opinion you dont have good taste :smiley:
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first off,i have drivin a r32 and also the mk5.there is NOTHING on this car that carrys the gti tradition.its heavy and what really bothers me is the shape..ive got an 84 mk1(vr6 swap),97 mk3 vr6, and a 88 porsche 930.u think i have bad taste do you?lets see that bubble car of yours test time.il give u 20 years. lets see who dares call that car a classic.let alone get up to 300,000 on that motor.
Why would the R32 carry a GTI Tradition?? They are complete different cars...and imo mate...i am 19....i have had a Renault Clio Sport 172...currently own a MK5 GTI and i do have a Red MK5 R32 on its way (all good and tasty hatcbacks).....in the Evo Magazine (114) it mentions..."It Seems The R32 is as much about projecting an image as anything else".....If i wanted performance there are other cars i could have bought...and yes being 19 i also could have afforded but i do really like the look of the R32...the sound of it...havent driven it but cant comment on it yet but im sure every one else that owns an R32 cant say that they are not happy with it....And im pretty sure the R32 turns alot more heads than quite a few other cars around.....enjoy your "classics"
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Just read the long term test of there R32 in march edition of evo magazine they didnt like the dsg very much,there final words if your buying a R32 you should go for the manual you'll have a lot more fun.
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i loved mine to bits,just wish it had a bit more poke,sometimes im very tempted to go back to one. That roar!!!!
:grin:
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Lot of opinion on this one chaps. I have been lucky enough to own both a MK5 GTI and two MK5 R32,S. To compare them as the same is incorrect.They are both toatally different cars in their characteristics.The GTI is a great car very nimble excellent chassis and the engine is a peach.The 32 is a totally different driving expeirence all together.Yes the car is heavier but it is still nimble enough to leave almost or keep up with anything due to the haldex. Can i also say my 32 is getting quicker as it "loosens up".Mine is a manual and i do admit you have to catch the clutch just right for fast getaways etc but the traction never ceases to amaze me even with the traction off.
The GTI does feel lighter on its feet but that said once i,d driven the 32 i was hooked and had to have one,the noise is enough for me!!
Also the 32 does seem to get more "street cred" tham the GTI,I constatnly get asked when refuelling,parked up etc about the 32.EVO mag got it right about the image of the R32 though.There seems to be too many GTIs kcking about and i think they have lost a bit of their exclusivity.
Even so both are excellent cars guys so lets not fall out!!
Could their be a bit of jealousy GTI owners?? LOL.
Cheers
Chrissyr32.
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Also forgot to mention i have hit roundabouts at speeds i wouldnt have dared in my GTI!!.The 32,s back end just seems to bite in,Awesome fun!!(http://)
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I have to agree. I have had mine for 6months now and covered 8000 miles and it just gets better and better to drive. Its brilliant on the motorway but where it really excells is across winding country roads. Its just so sure footed, it allows the driver to get a-b with no drama at silly speeds without kicking up a fuss. By this I mean with the occupants... mr plod wouldnt be too happy!!
The grip levels are incredible and I have lost count the number of times I try to go round large round abouts at the speed limit. The car definately gets more appreciation than the Gti but thats probably because it just sounds awsome... people just have to ask whats under the hood!! I have to say I enjoy this level of exclusitivity... as many people just havent heard or seen many R32's about!
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I have been curious to know how is the power delivery compared from the GTI to the R32...the GTI you sort of start slow and then you sorta get a sudden rush due to the Turbo....how would it compare to the R32??
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I have been curious to know how is the power delivery compared from the GTI to the R32...the GTI you sort of start slow and then you sorta get a sudden rush due to the Turbo....how would it compare to the R32??
No sudden rush at all Manu.Just smooth progressive power.When i test drove my first 32 initally i thought i was slow as you dont get the sudden rush from the turbo i was ued to n my GTI, but after a few miles you appreciate the delievery.Just love really opening it up although you sometimes have to keep the revs high to keep the pace up but i love it. :grin:
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I would think this makes it harder to drive then....
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Not really still a joy to drive, I find mine perfect round town and even better long range.
Sometimes find i may have to drop it a gear but with that exhaust noise its always worthy doing anyway!! :evil:
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I thought i said it would be harder to drive as im used to driving my friends 1.2's and 1.4s where you really need to wait for some sort of power to kick in lol but i guess a 3.2 would be alot more different :smiley:
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I thought i said it would be harder to drive as im used to driving my friends 1.2's and 1.4s where you really need to wait for some sort of power to kick in lol but i guess a 3.2 would be alot more different :smiley:
The power delivery is quite linear and means that most of the time esp in 2/3/4th gear you dont even have to change down a cog. When you hit the red line beware as you will be going well over the speed limit. This makes the R alot easier to drive.. even in higher gears the power is always sat in reserve. Push the pedal to the metal and before you even get to 5k revs you will be going alot faster than you realise. I just find this brilliant as it means whenever anyone else is in the car they dont have to tell me to slow down :evil:
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R32UK...im guessing your R is standard??....How do you feel about the power distribution?? Do you feel the car like pulling u (FWD) or pushing u (RWD)....its quite interesting and my R is only few weeks away!!! :smiley:
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To add....
The moment you put your foot to the floor in the R32 you are IMMEDIATELY thrown back into your seat. Instant acceleration. There is instant power and if you shift hears for maximum acceleration when you look at the speedo you will not believe the pace your R32 has reached. It is the best car I have driven ever and I love it to bits. So much flexability. You need serious balls to even realise the amount of grip you can get in corners and I push her pretty hard. It is not a hard car to drive. Its awesome in my opinion in every respect. They are so rare and around N Ireland the amount of attention I get in mine sometime embarasses me. Every day I see people turning their heads to look...and thats even before they have heard that V6 roar. Its something special. :smiley:
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I'd be interested to know if the London based R32 owners will be swapping to GTI's once they start getting charged £25 a time by the new Congestion Charge?
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I'd be interested to know if the London based R32 owners will be swapping to GTI's once they start getting charged £25 a time by the new Congestion Charge?
Its a joke like but if I lived in London I wouldnt have a GTi or an R32 I dont think. No point having a car like that to sit in traffic and nowhere to give her the beans.
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The only people that drive into London and pay the charge either have too much money so dont care or run a business / work for a business so the cost is put towards the business. The CC is around central London and if you work around there then chances are you will be getting the train into work.
With regards to the comment about not wanting to own a GTi in London, thats just silly imo.
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We have a house in baker street and every time i visit the UK thats where i stay and to be honest with all this congestion charge etc i wouldnt even consider keeping a car in London. To get around Central London you can get trains and busses which do offer a good service which is what i use considering baker street stating is literally right under the house :smiley:
Considering the R32....i am one step closer to it as its on its way to Gibraltar...i should have it here for easter holidays hopefully giving me the chance to run the car in and stuff so will deffinatley keep you guys posted!
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Good Good, im sure you are mega excited! Cant wait to hear what you think about the car, especially after coming from a GTI. Can I just add, as your R is brand new you will not believe the difference in her once it is loosened up. Mine now has 20k miles on it and she is so much quicker. I know a VW dealer and he let me drive one a few weeks ago with 2k miles on it, just so I could do a good comparision. It honestly felt mine had an extra 30bhp. My point is, dont expect the rush of power you get from a turbo, just watch the speedo lol and allow the engine time to bed in.
Oh, and I drove mine to the limit from the day I got it and I believe it is now quicker for doing so.
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4 hours!!! :shocked: :shocked: :laugh: :evil: :nerd: :smug: :drool: :laugh: :shocked:
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Synnea...did u not do any running in then?? You just left the dealership and floored it :P
Apparantleyy....thats not good for the car lol then aswell...APPARANTLEY
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Yep :smiley:. My decision of course and I shall live with the consequences if any down the line. In my opinion none. My R goes like a rocket now, ecu learning etc :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: love love love it!! I bought an R32 to drive it like its meant to be driven not a polo 1.2 :cool:
20k miles later nothing but a bigger smile on my face :smiley:
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Sounds good...you should post some pics of it....i really really like the DPB :smiley:
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I did and you have seen them - refresh your memory..
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=74657.msg599042#msg599042
:)
I look forward to seeing yours in the red!
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its miiiiine! dunno how you chaps ordering new ones can wait so long. I only had to wait a week and it was a killer!
i'll get some better pics at the weekend if i get chance..
(http://i31.tinypic.com/1zqqxao.jpg) (http://i25.tinypic.com/20ixgyq.jpg) (http://i26.tinypic.com/s5by4z.jpg)
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Ohh yess yess...i have seen pictures of ur car before!!!....very very nice!
Here are some pics i found on the net of a Red R32...
(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l304/clio_gib/RedR1.jpg)
(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l304/clio_gib/RedR3.jpg)
(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l304/clio_gib/RedR7.jpg)
I quite like it :evil:
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Topher...looks very smart!....Get it cleaned, get some pics up asap! Congrats...views so far?? :P
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Brilliant Topher! What do you think then!!!
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Is it from the Volve dealership in Warwick?
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Thats right Mike, Tollbar Volvo. I work just down the road from there near the castle.
First views.. the noise is addictive, and it goes round roundabouts sideways very nicely on slippy roads like today if you really thump it :laugh: Even at 2 years old it's very tight and precise. Just need to adjust to the sharpness of the brakes and get used to the gear changes.
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its miiiiine! dunno how you chaps ordering new ones can wait so long. I only had to wait a week and it was a killer!
i'll get some better pics at the weekend if i get chance..
(http://i31.tinypic.com/1zqqxao.jpg) (http://i25.tinypic.com/20ixgyq.jpg) (http://i26.tinypic.com/s5by4z.jpg)
No silver surrond in front of gear stick i see.
Chrissy.
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The little compartment might be opened...when its closed you can see the silver "engine spin trim" :cool:
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I CAN SEE THE BUTTONS THOUGH.THEY SHOULD HAVE THE SURROND ROUND THEM ALSO LIKEMINE, JUST LOOKED UNUSUAL, WHY IS THERE NO TRIM?
Chrissy.
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Thats right Mike, Tollbar Volvo. I work just down the road from there near the castle.
First views.. the noise is addictive, and it goes round roundabouts sideways very nicely on slippy roads like today if you really thump it :laugh: Even at 2 years old it's very tight and precise. Just need to adjust to the sharpness of the brakes and get used to the gear changes.
I work just round the corner on the Warwick Tech Park. Saw your R32 when I was looking at my GTI there thought it was a really nice colour scheme.
I collected my GTI from them this time last week. I'm sure you'll have a fun weekend with it.
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dunno about the trim, although im not a fan of that silver stuff anyway so i wont miss it :grin:
Mike it was this time last week i went up there to see it for the first time, we probably walked right past eachother lol
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Topher...i envy u :angry: Just jokes mate...enjoy it whilst my count down carries on well...down i guess lol
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dunno about the trim, although im not a fan of that silver stuff anyway so i wont miss it :grin:
Mike it was this time last week i went up there to see it for the first time, we probably walked right past eachother lol
Well if you fancy a bit of a blast on the Warwickshire highways give me a shout
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Im dying to go to an R32 meet!
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Good Good, im sure you are mega excited! Cant wait to hear what you think about the car, especially after coming from a GTI. Can I just add, as your R is brand new you will not believe the difference in her once it is loosened up. Mine now has 20k miles on it and she is so much quicker. I know a VW dealer and he let me drive one a few weeks ago with 2k miles on it, just so I could do a good comparision. It honestly felt mine had an extra 30bhp. My point is, dont expect the rush of power you get from a turbo, just watch the speedo lol and allow the engine time to bed in.
Oh, and I drove mine to the limit from the day I got it and I believe it is now quicker for doing so.
I agree!! Its the only way to get the best from it. Once its warm... blast it!!
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Looks nice Topher :) Does this mean you'll get lost in the mk5 forum and not come out!
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what, and deny the rest of the forum my kind and charming words? no fcking chance :grin:
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Stunnin mate :laugh: Got any plans for it?
i thought i recognised the pose of those pics, i too almost bought a GTI from Tollbar (yes all that way)
Hurry up and get sum pics sorted :thumbsup:
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Bloody hell... I nearly bought a GTI from Tollbar Warwick too (they seem to get a lot of GTI's and R32s in - they should be a VW dealer!). Apparently they had just taken over the Ferrari Maranello dealerships and the sales guys theres had full spec GTI's. I was after a black one with a load of options - this one also had satnav too plus leather, lux, winter blah blah. The car was still at Maranello so I had no way of viewing it (but Tollbar still advertised it!) - booked the morning off work to go look at it once it was confirmed as in (115 miles from here) and I had a call saying it was sold over the phone the night before - good job I rang up to check else I would have been a bit pi$$ed if drove all that way for nothing. They did have another one but it was 5 door :angry:
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I nipped in and bought the R' the day before someone was driving over from Wales to view it :lipsrsealed:
To really rub salt in the wound he was only coming to see that one because they sold the 3 door silver one that he wanted the day before i got there :laugh:
It's not just vw's though, my new toy was parked between a lotus exige and a 997 911 turbo, with a db9 behind it for good measure! Some top-end stuff down there.