VW Golf R32 (MkV) – Entry 013

David Conway    Personal, VW Golf R32 (MkV)     official r32 entry, vw golf r32

After watching the Grand Prix qualifying early Saturday morning I set off for APS (a VAG tuning company) to have my Haldex GenII Controller fitted along with a four wheel laser alignment. I arrived at 9:10 and found a space to park in amongst several MkIV R32’s and a couple of MkI TT’s. It’s reassuring to know that the people about to work on your pride and joy are specialists and know your car inside out. I was greeted by a friendly chap called Ed and after confirming everything I was raring to go. Unfortunately, work didn’t start for an hour and a half which was frustrating but if I hadn’t arrived 10 minutes late then I wouldn’t have had two other customers get the jump on me. I’ll know for next time…

The mechanics are top guys, not your usual backstreet grease monkey’s. They’re well spoken, friendly and happy to talk while they work. To pass the time I read numerous “Volkswagon Driver” magazines in their comfy reception area which had a sofa and widescreen TV. One article in particular caught my eye. A MkV R32 with a set of wheels I’ve been giving serious thought to over the last couple of weeks. After seeing how great they look I’ve decided they’re the ones for me. Problem solved! Within a minutes walk is a café serving the usual industrial estate cuisine which was most welcome due to missing breakfast. I also met a couple of R32OC members who both had smart looking silver MkIV’s. Good to meet you!

Not long after 2pm everything was finished and I was handed the keys along with the original Haldex system for safe keeping. I remember looking at the car and getting a little kick out of knowing that although it looked standard, it no longer was! The switch (used to change between Normal, Sport and Race) is quite big and does stick out next to the OEM push buttons but it’s good quality and has a tactile, silent click when turned. It’s nicer to use than the mirror adjustment knob and being large, you’re able to operate it without braking concentration.

The drive home was uneventful, I was tired and it was raining heavily so I drove like a little old lady (but with observation and indication). This morning however was a different matter. I’ve been out and had a play on some well known roads. In normal cornering and acceleration there’s no difference which is to be expected but if you turn off ESP and find a deserted roundabout it’s a different story! When you’re pushing it, the difference between “Normal/Stock” and “Sport” mode is obvious. The car is far more balanced, understeer is dramatically reduced (unless it’s very tight) and when loss of traction occurs, it’s progressive and all four wheels are involved. I went over the same ground multiple times in Standard and Sport modes comparing the two and it really is so much better (and faster) in Sport. The best way of describing it is simply to say that the car now feels like a true AWD. I didn’t think I’d be writing that two months ago! Why it doesn’t come like this out of the box is a mystery to me.

I have tried Race mode but if I’m honest, I’m a little apprehensive about testing it as I still don’t know the car anywhere near as well as I did my Peugeot and I don’t fancy over-steering into the middle of a roundabout or over correcting and flying into someone waiting at a junction! I’ve never been to a track day, never had an advanced lesson and the only experience I have was gained years ago rallying a pickup on my friends farm. I’m sure it will become a firm favourite but maybe it’s safer to explore on a track.

So, is it worth the money? I guess it depends on your priorities and how much you value £850. If you tend to drive your car well within its limit and see it as a long distance cruiser with the ability to overtake slower moving cars then I wouldn’t say so. It’s only when you’re loosing traction in a corner that you feel the difference so it’s really geared towards someone who enjoys a very spirited drive and/or goes to track days. I’m sure on a circuit you’d really see the true potential of this modification. I would be astounded if it didn’t shave a noticeable amount of time off your lap.

I’m still yet to gain a full understanding of this mod but the first signs are encouraging. I’m a happy chappy and glad I went for it. I wonder if a set of ARB’s would further enhance the handling…

I’ve also recently driven on the B4560 in Wales and it’s fantastic! Apparently Top Gear use it when filming, I can see why. Here’s a few pics:

Stay tuned!

Collection of my best R32 pictures

David Conway    Personal, VW Golf R32 (MkV)     r32 photo collection, vw golf r32

I must have taken over a hundred photos of my car since December lol. This afternoon I’ve been busy collating my favourites. I’ll add more in the same format in future. Enjoy