2006 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (MK5) R32 - 26,300 MILES

This 2006 VW Golf R32 is a superb low-mileage example of the immensely capable hot hatch, presented in excellent condition and with extensive service history. It is powered by the 3.2-litre VR6 engine, which sends around 247bhp to all four wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission and a Haldex all-wheel-drive system. The odometer shows just 26,309 miles from new.

First registered on 10 April 2006, this particular car was the subject of a 2018 Modern Classics magazine feature, where it was described as “one of the best on sale”. Its logbook shows four previous registered keepers, and the seller has driven it sparingly throughout his year of ownership.

Finished in Reflex Silver metallic paintwork, the exterior of the car is in great shape, with the only noted flaws being three small stone chips at the bottom of the front bumper, on the passenger side of the car. All door shuts and rubber seals are in impressive condition, and the headlight lenses are clear and free of cracks or hazing. Original and unmodified, the car rides on its factory 18-inch ‘Zolder’ alloy wheels, which are presented in very good condition, with only minor marks as shown in the photo gallery. The wheel arch apertures and underside are remarkably clean, with factory stickers and paint dabs still visible.

Moving inside, the seats are upholstered in Monte Carlo grey cloth, which presents very well. The three-spoke leather steering wheel is very smart and has no signs of scuffs or excess wear. The rest of the interior trim is also in excellent condition, with only a few light scratches on the driver’s interior door handle. This R32 is a particularly well-specified example, and comes equipped with cruise control, DVD sat-nav, a six-disc CD changer, rear parking sensors, and electric folding door mirrors. All of the buttons, switches and electrical items are reported to work without fault.

The engine bay and boot are extremely well presented, with the latter still housing the original space-saver spare wheel and tools. Mechanically, this Golf R32 is in very good order, having been routinely serviced and well maintained from new. Its last scheduled maintenance was carried out on 11 April 2018 at 25,077 miles by dealer Midland VW, consisting of an interim service and inspection, including replacement of the engine oil and oil filter.

Prior to this, services were carried out in February 2017 at 23,824 miles, again by Midland VW, where the Haldex and DSG oils and filters were replaced; and in February 2016 at 21,871 miles, when Meridien of Bournemouth carried out a general service including an oil change.

The car’s last MOT test was conducted on 12 June 2020 at 26,297 miles, which it passed first time with no advisory notes. Prior to the test the owner noticed that the radiator was leaking, and had it replaced while the test was carried out. All four wheels are fitted with 225/40 ZR18 Dunlop SportMaxx RT2 tyres which are marked as having been manufactured in mid-2016. They are in excellent condition, with the seller stating that there is ample tread remaining.

Accompanying the car is its original R32-badged leather document folder, all of its original handbooks, copies of past invoices and two keys. Even the VW bottle opener between the cup holders is still present.

Described as the fastest model ever when it was introduced in 2005, the VW Golf R32 took the successful hot hatch formula and improved upon it, to offer a new level of performance without sacrificing practicality, securing its status as a modern classic. Clean, unmodified and presented in excellent overall condition, this low-mileage collector-quality example is certain to excite and delight its next owner.

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.