2005 Volkswagen Golf R32

This handsome, low-mileage Golf R32 received its first UK registration on the 8th of December, 2005. Since then, the car has been enjoyed by just two registered keepers prior to being acquired by the current keeper last autumn.

Along with the V5C, the car will come with a valid, advisory-free MoT to December, 2022.

There is also a leather-bound folder containing the owner’s handbook, audio system manual, a fully-stamped, up-to-date service record book and two sets of keys. The vehicle received its most recent service in December, 2020, with the mileage recorded at 50,649. Since that service, the car has been driven just 1,882 miles.

Due to evolving business commitments, the current keeper has offered the vehicle to auction as he will not have the time or opportunity to appreciate the car to the extent that he originally wished.

At the time, Volkswagen gave the R32 a distinctive set of clothes over the standard Mk5 Golf. The new nose design with its twin-strip chrome grille, centrally mounted exhausts, deeper bumpers, 20mm lower ride height and 20-spoke 18-inch alloys with red brake callipers afforded the car a bullish stance and huge dollops of road gravitas. It was offered in five- and three-door body styles as offered here.

The exterior of this metallic grey R32 example presents in truly immaculate condition, which reflects the manner in which it has been looked after and cared for during the past sixteen years.

The light lenses are clear and show no hint of the age-related fogging often found on a car of this age. The front and rear bumpers are blemish-free and in remarkable condition. The striking alloys are shod with a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4’s (perfect for this performance car) and show no scuffs or evidence of being ‘curbed’ and again, are in pristine condition.

The brightwork around the car is in exceptional condition, none of which has a scratch or mark to its surface. A cursory glance down each flank of the car shows no evidence of damage at any time in its 16 years and even the front number plate and valance, for all their vulnerability, remain blemish free.

Inside, the story is a familiar one of excellent care and attention given to the car during its life so far. While a smidgen short of showroom standard, the interior of this Golf R32 presents in exceptional condition and this writer frequently had to remind himself that this is a sixteen-year-old car.

Even back in 2005, the Golf R32’s full-on leather interior knocked every one of its rivals for six. None used the same expensive materials or has such a sensible, clear and user-friendly layout.

Sporting touches worthy of the R badge were tastefully executed, such as the turned aluminium dashboard trim, VW Racing logos and translucent blue instrument needles.

This writer recalls attending the media launch of this car and wrote at the time: “Attention is also lavished on the driver who enjoys a comfortable, supportive seating position and a tactile steering wheel. I could enthuse all day about the stubby, short-throw gear lever which is a joy to use with enthusiasm.”

The roof lining, soft furnishings, door cards and full set of R model-specific mats present in exceptional condition and all instruments, light and switchgear are said to be in perfect working order

Even today, this R32’s cabin really is close to faultless and continues to make a great place to spend time.

As one might expect of a low-mileage car, the underside also presents very well for its age with just a little discolouring due to natural oxidation.

The engine compartment is clean and tidy and the custodian reports this R32 to be in excellent mechanical condition with steering, brakes, 4x4 system and V6 engine performing as well as their respective engineers intended.

It’s evident from its appearance that this super tidy, low-mileage R32 example has been maintained to a very high standard. As stated, the car comes with a full service history and a near-12-month MoT.

If the thought of a Golf GTI is just a little too ‘every-day’ and triggers a feint yawn at its mention, then this could be the performance Golf for you. It does without the lurid colours and loud body kits that you'll see in so many other places in the hot hatch world – the only aesthetic difference between this range-topper and a standard Golf are a few subtle styling tweaks and a redesigned front end.

What you do get is one of the fastest and most powerful Golfs ever produced, with its 250bhp 3.2-litre V6 and four-wheel-drive delivering white-knuckle grip in all conditions. The sonorous audio note from that mill alone is enough reason to park one on your driveway.

It's a gentleman's hot hatch that even today, stacks up solidly as a performance car…and seventeen years on, it’s still something special.

In 2005, Jeremy Clarkson called the Golf R32 ‘the full Sunday roast’. Anyone for dinner?

Our estimate for this car is £10,000 - £16,000.

Viewing is always encouraged. This particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays between 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.