* It's not a GTI, It's Better *
Pedigree:
- 2004 Volkswagen Golf R32
- Purchased new in Denver, Colorado
- Reflex Silver (RS)
- Black Leather, Koenig seats
Motor-vated!
- 3.2L (195 Cu. In) VR-6
- DOHC 4 Valves per cylinder (24 valve)
- 240 bhp / 236 ft-lbs torque
- 11.3:1 Compression
- Cast iron Block, Aluminum Heads
Performance (June 2004 Road & Track)
- Curb Weight: 3300 lbs (it's no lightweight!)
- 0- 30 MPH: 1.6 Seconds
- 0- 40 MPH: 3.0 Seconds
- 0- 50 MPH: 4.1 Seconds
- 0- 60 MPH: 5.8 Seconds
- 0- 70 MPH: 7.4 Seconds
- 0- 80 MPH: 9.5 Seconds
- 0- 90 MPH: 11.9 Seconds
- 0-100 MPH: 14.4 Seconds
- 0 - 1/4 Mile: 14.1 Seconds @ 99.2 MPH
- 60 - 0 MPH: 111 Feet
- 80 - 0 MPH: 196 Feet
Drivetrain:
- 4Motion (R) All-Wheel Drive System
- 6 Speed
- Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP)
- Fully Independent Multi-Link Rear Suspension
Stop and Grip:
- Massive 13.1 Front Vented Discs - dual caliper
- 10.1 Rear Vented Discs
- 18" Alloy Wheels
- Goodyear Eagle F1 225/40ZR-18 Tires
- Anti-Lock Brakes
In the Lap of Luxury:
- Koenig front sport seats (feels like riding in a baseball glove!) w/R-logo
- Leather wrapped 3-spoke R-logo steering wheel and shift knob
- Alloy interiror trim w/R logo pedals
- R-logo front and rear floor mats
- Power glass sunroof with tilt, slide, & preselect
- Climatronic Electronic Climate Control
- Monsoon Sound System Am/FM/Cassette/CD
- Self-dimming interior rearview mirror
- Rain sensor, automatic wiper speed control
- Rear window wiper
- Heated windshield washer nozzles
- Height Adjustable and Heated front seats
- Multi-function trip computer
- Cruise Control
- Power Windows, Power locking system
- Height adjusttable telescoping steering wheel
- Power/Heated outside mirrors
I purchased this awesome car on 6/1/04 and I think it's the best thing I have done. Ever. This car is perfect for the mountains (but not the snow due to a very low ground clearance). This really was a dream car come true, but (regretfully) I have sold it in favor of something more "practical" (oh my gosh, am I getting old) for the mountains. Can you say Volkswagen Tiguan? I thought you could!
Every article I have read on this car is full of nothing but compliments, and I understand why. There is simply no fault to be found with this car at all. A bit heavy nosed in the corners, yes. This is simply the most powerfull, all wheel drive, hatchback that exists in the United States. People compare this to the Subaru WRX STI and the Mitsubishi EVO, but the reality is this is something, well, different. The R32 makes no pretenses about being a "tuner" car. No "look at me" rear wing, no Mash-Pause-Snap acceleration. This car has enough torque to pull smooth from idle to over 130 MPH and deliver it with grace, reliability, and most importantly, no turbo lag. This is the grown up go-kart you've always wanted, without the unwanted attention that a pseudo race car would bring you.
Value for the money? This car has everything you would want from a three door hatchback (except the weight). This is the only car I have ever paid retail for to date, and I am actually smiling about it. Yes, it's the end of a body style, yes, I expect of the 5000 imported into the United States that towards October through December dealerships, if they have any left, will be selling under retail. Do I care ? No ! This is the only AWD Uber-Golf that will be around for a long while. My WRX was loosing value faster than reason would allow, and lets face it, I have been waiting for this particular car for a long time. (I have also been waiting for the Audi Steppenwolf - but I don't think that will ever see production - too bad.)
It's not just a car, it's an experience!
(Click on any picture for larger image)
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From Motor Trend Magazine (and I agree):
"The R32 doesn't yell, 'boy racer.' There's no ornamental hood scoop and no presumptuous rear wing--only an effective and attractive aero kit hugging those 18-inch wheels and telltale dual exhaust tips. Look at it this way: The R32 gets you 90 percent of the performance and 125 percent of the interior content at the same price as those peaky-pesky turbocars. It's the polished, adult approach to an edgy, adolescent high-performance craving." --Chris Walton
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Why did I get an R32 over my WRX? I think this explains a lot (Thanks Ian)
