Allow me to throw some spanners into the mix, regarding the GTI vs R32 debate.
Firstly, I'll start by stating the R32 is a very fine car, but, IMHO, it is no better than a GTI or Ed30 !!
OK, the good points of the R32 - it has a V6 engine. That is it!
Now for the bad points of the R32 - it has a V6 engine, or to be more precise, a narrow angle V
R6 engine. This has very limited scope for tuning, on a whole range of issues. Secondly, it is considerably more heavier than the 4-pot GTI engine. This extra mass up front causes noticeable understeer (as reported by virtually all the motoring press), whereas the GTI has never been accused of suffering from understeer.
The R32 will use about 30% more petrol compared to a GTI.
The R32 will cost more to maintain compared to a GTI.
The R32 will cost more to insure compared to a GTI.
The R32 also has a noticeably smaller boot, compared to the GTI.
And the real issue which a lot of people don't understand (and the stealers salesmen/women won't tell you) - it does NOT have permanent, full time four wheel drive. Under normal driving conditions, on normal roads, only the front wheels are driven. Power is only sent to the rears, in some kind of glorified "traction control" system, using the nasty Haldex coupling. With the Haldex, you need to have it serviced every 40k miles, and it is a pain in the ar$e to do. You also need to ensure that you have 4 identical tyres, particularly in tread wear.
Like I said above, the R32 is a good car, but it is relying soley on the "kudos" of being the "pinacle" of the Golf range. If you absolutely must have the largest capacity engine, or 6 cylinders instead of four, or the "claim" of four wheel drive - then the R32 will be the car for you.
However, if you want the best handling Golf, or the most "tuneable" Golf, or the most economical "performance" Golf - then either the GTI or the Ed30 will be better than the R32.
I now don my flame-proof coat, and await further discussion, and clarification of any of my points!
