Volkswagen Golf Hatchback 3.2 R32 4MOTION 5dr

Performance
With 236lb ft of pulling power to call upon, the six-cylinder engine drags the car forward from little more than tickover. It sounds wonderful, too, barking and growling its way around the rev counter. Opt for the Direct-Shift Gearbox, which offers the choice of sequential manual or fully automatic modes, and the R32 sprints even harder.

Ride & handling
The R32's four-wheel drive makes it easier to use the available performance, even when the roads are greasy. Push really hard and the R32's front tyres will push wide, but at sensible speeds there's grip, grip and more grip. Steering is precise and incisive from the first roll of the wrist, but the ride is very firm.

Refinement
The engines sounds wonderful when you're in the mood, but once up to motorway cruising speeds it settles into the background. However, there's some wind noise to contend with and the chunky tyres kick up a fair bit of road noise. Even so, you'd happily contemplate a long drive in the R32

Buying & owning
However good it is, there's no getting away from the R32's high price. It's significantly more expensive than the likes of the Ford Focus ST and Vauxhall Astra VXR. However, the VW badge and the relatively small number of R32s sold should mean respectable resale values, and fuel bills are reasonable considering the performance.

Quality & reliability
The Golf's cabin is solidly screwed together; although it's a shame the plastics on the lower parts of the dash and doors don't have the same soft-touch feel as those on the top of the dash. Reliability shouldn't be a major concern.

Safety & security
The combination of four-wheel drive and the standard-fit electronic stability system should help you avoid an accident in the first place but should the worst happen, there are six airbags and the reassurance of a five-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating. Deadlocks and an alarm top the list of security features.

Behind the wheel
It's easy enough to get comfortable behind the wheel. There's two-way adjustment for the steering wheel and a wide range of movement from the front seats, although the side bolsters will pinch broader drivers. Sporty touches give the cabin a lift compared with more humble Golfs.

Space & practicality
The Golf is one of the most spacious small family cars, which helps to make the R32 one of the most practical hot hatches you can buy. The boot's a decent size, too. While some rivals, such as the Vauxhall Astra VXR, are three-door only, the R32 is available with five doors for the family in a hurry.

Equipment
You won't go short of toys in the R32, which goes some way to justifying the steep price. Dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, a 10-speaker stereo, and 18-inch alloy wheels are all standard. The Direct-Shift Gearbox is a pricey option, but well worth considering.