Browsing all articles from August, 2007
Aug
22
2007
0

VW Golf R32 (MkV) – Entry 001

Author David Conway    Category Personal, VW Golf R32 (MkV)     Tags ,

I currently own a 1.4L Pug 206. It’s very well specced and has been a great first car but to be quite frank, the performance is rubbish, acceleration is frustrating and the handling… suffice to say I’ve become the king of under-steer.

About six months ago I set about researching my next car. From the start I’d decided to get a hot hatch (my 2 seater sports car / fast saloon days are yet to come). My conclusions were as follows:

  • Audi S3 – Pricey, should have used the 3.2l (please make an RS3 with this engine).
  • Audi A3 Quattro – Pricey, not as good as the R32 (discounting image).
  • BMW Mini Cooper S Works – Small and overpriced.
  • BMW 130i – Overpriced, ugly.
  • Civic Type R 07 – Underpowered and looks like a spaceship both inside and out.
  • Ford Fiesta ST – Small and underpowered.
  • Ford Focus ST – Steering wheel has a Ford badge (stupid but honest).
  • Mazda 3 MPS – Poor looks and can’t cope with its power.
  • Peugeot 207/307 GT – Rubbish in so many ways.
  • Renault Clio 197 – Good but too small.
  • Renault Megane R26 – Awful styling (shame).
  • Seat Leon Cupra – Poor version of the Golf.
  • Skoda Octavia/Fabia vRS – They’re Skodas.
  • Vauxhall Corsa VXR – Wouldn’t be seen dead in a Corsa.
  • Vauxhall Astra VXR – Average engineering (better than my preconceptions).
  • Volvo C30 T5 – Style over substance.
  • VW Golf GTI – Underpowered (edition 30 overpriced).
  • VW Golf R32 MK4 – Mean looks but newer version more appealing.

So after discounting all of the above, I’d narrowed it down to two options:

Option 1
Spend around £10,000 on a second hand Civic Type R (EP3) and keep £13,000 in the bank. I’d get a race bred road car with big grin performance. Looks a little dated both inside and out.

Option 2
Spend £23,000 (Internet) on a brand new 07 UK Mk5 R32. I’d get a well built, classy car with 4wd and a 3.2l engine that sounds awesome.

Well, as the perceptive people may have picked up on… I decided on Option 2! I’ve been getting quotes and making comparisons for the last couple of weeks and all being well, I should be placing an order this Saturday. I’m VERY excited.

Here endeth my 1st entry.