VW didn't quite expect the Mark IV Golf R32 to be the resounding success it was, with 2,300 examples sold in the UK alone. The Frankfurt Show sees the launch of the all-new Mark V version, set to be the most powerful production Golf to date.

As with its predecessor, the new car uses Volkswagen's narrow-angle 3.2-litre V6, but power is up to 247bhp. Though the Golf GTi's chassis copes well with nearly 200bhp, VW is sensibly fitting the R32 with the 4MOTION four-wheel drive system. Allied to sticky low profile tyres, grip should be prodigious in the dry and hold a distinct advantage over other hot hatches in the wet. It is also likely that the torque transfer will be adjusted to suit the enthusiastic driver, i.e. more torque to the rear wheels in normal operation.

Aesthetically, the new Golf R32 is quite distinct from the rest of the Golf range, even the GTi, featuring an aluminium full-length grille in place of the GTi's black item, centrally-positioned twin exhaust pipes protruding from a black central section of a deep rear apron, darkened rear lenses, and a new front spoiler with aggressive air scoops. Twenty-spoke 18-inch alloys are unique to the R32 and the new car features natty blue-painted brake callipers, as fitted to the original R32.

Inside, the R32 carries on where the new GTi left off, with the same flat-bottomed steering wheel, sports seats, aluminium pedals and gear knob. Look through the image gallery and you'll see the fantastic (but optional) Recaro bucket seats on offer too. Standard equipment will include Bi-Xenon headlights, dual zone climate control, rain sensing wipers and a decent stereo. Either a six-speed manual or the Direct Shift Gearbox can be specified. Following the Frankfurt Show debut, the new R32 will be on sale in the UK in November. We hope to get behind the wheel for ourselves early in 2006 so watch out for that review in the VW Road Tests page.

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Related articles:
- All Volkswagen road tests
- VW Golf Mark V review
- Audi TT review (fitted with the 3.2-litre engine and DSG)

Shane O' Donoghue - 11 Aug 2005