Body style: Hatchback
Segment: Compact
Production years: 2002, 2003, 2004
In 2002 Volkswagen went wild and introduced an outrageous version of the Golf on the market: the R32.
The R32 shook the hot-hatch segment with its blistering acceleration, all-wheel drive system, and, especially, its dual-clutch automatic gearbox. It was a testing bench for other vehicles that followed. But this model, sold in around 12,000 units, became the Golf with the biggest displacement engine produced by the automaker.
The car's exterior looked like it had gone through a specialized tuning shop. Its front bumper, with three lower grilles in the apron, showed like it was adapted from an Audi S4. From its sides, the 18" light alloy wheels with a multi-spoke design complemented the car's look and filled the wheel arches. In addition, the ground clearance was 20 mm (0.8") lower, thanks to new springs and shocks. On its sides, the car featured specific side sills, while at the back, Volkswagen installed a dual side-exhaust system and a diffuser between them. A roof spoiler completed the image of this sporty hatchback, which was only available with three doors.
Volkswagen went even further and provided the car with front sports seats that hugged their occupants, while a split-folding bench was fitted in the back. Still, the automaker kept the same instrument cluster, with red needles and black dials. But that was fine. At least it placed aluminum pedals and a footrest for the driver. Last but not least, the car also got a GPS navigation system.
But the real magic was under the hood, where the automaker squeezed a VR6 engine. It was a mix between a V-shaped and an inline-arranged engine, with 15 degrees between the cylinders. The naturally-aspirated powerplant sent its power in all corners via either a six-speed manual or a revolutionary (then) dual-clutch six-speed automatic gearbox.
ENGINE SPECS - 3.2L V6 6MT AWD (241 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V6 |
Displacement: | 3189 cm3 |
Power: | 177 KW @ 6250 RPM 241 HP @ 6250 RPM 237 BHP @ 6250 RPM |
Torque: | 236 lb-ft @ 2800 RPM 320 Nm @ 2800 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 153.5 mph (247 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 6.6 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 225/40 ZR18 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 163.4 in (4150 mm) |
Width: | 68.5 in (1740 mm) |
Height: | 56.7 in (1440 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.4/58.7 in (1,509/1,491 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 99.2 in (2520 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.1 in (130 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 8.7 cuFT (246 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.31 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3260.6 lbs (1479 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4475.4 lbs (2030 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 14.3 mpg US (16.4 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 27.4 mpg US (8.6 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 20.5 mpg US (11.5 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 276 g/km |