VW Golf Mk5 R32 Review - What Does A BMW 130i Owner Think? 

Love the rumble of the VR6, such an unique tone

I love my R32. Probably not the fastest car out there nowadays, but that VR6 sound with full Milltek non resonated exhaust brings smile to my face every time I start the car or hit the pedal to the metal...😎

The r32 sounds superb , I had no idea they had just the one cylinder head I thought they were a normal v6 design , everyday is a school day 👍🏻

The first 5 secs of this video are all I need to hear to love this car. I don't actually want one, but I could listen to that all day.

I’ve had the mkIV & MkV R32, the IV was a manual. (I got roped into a DSG on the mkV) I truly regret selling it. Most fun and surprising hatch ever, and that sound..... my god....like a wookie gargling water, i miss it, also considering buying one again. I found it looked way better than the mkV too, dammit Jay, i’m feeling emotional 😭 i want my mkIV back,

Jay, do a mk5 gti, the car that rescued the gti badge

I have an 06 one that I have run from new and now has 164000 miles on it. Still going well for 15 years old. Serviced every 12k apart from usual wear and tear items the only significant thing to go wrong was the DSG box gave up at 125k Replaced at main dealer for 3k and the passenger door lock does not open but at 600 quid to fix I can’t quite bring myself to. Oh and it’s still on its original battery which is getting a bit long in the tooth

I’ve a Ed30 GTi Mk5 in stock standard, DSG, mint and welcome to have a go

mk5 owner here. Ohlins suspension, , magnaflow touring exhaust (resonated so focused on sport sound but zero highway drone), neuspeed rear sway, pilot sport 4s tires, HPA haldex controller (to send more power to the rear using the throttle position sensor instead of only traction control, the stock config). I just today test drove a lot of "better" cars. Mercedes C43 AMG, Audi S5 sportback, and Porsche Macan. The R32 has such a connection to the driver which in newer cars I struggle to find. Are all new cars faster, yes -- many, many things are faster than an R32. But with the way I've configured mine, it does all the things: ski trips on smaller wheels and snow tires, holding a bunch of stuff for weekend getaways, feeling comfy on California highways, and rock solid when I push it. I donno -- I may never find a all-round better car.

Still got a great noise that R32! 👌🏻

Great video again! Passat W8 or the later Passat R36 would be an interesting video as there pretty forget about 👍🏻

One of my dream cars to use every day. That noise is amazing

There was a short lived plan to put the 3.6L passat engine into the successor of this R32. Yes they contemplated an R36 Golf. I so wish they had.

performance aside, this is the best golf based on looks alone imo

Had one of these new in 2009 - best driven with the rear seats folded down for the best howl from the exhaust !!

The variety of cars driven on this channel is excellent, always well researched and a great delivery James, keep up the great work!

A best part is that sound....such a good engine sound, a car is good just enough, they could make it better but Golf wasn't there to be the best, it was there to be a benchmark. I love that car. Who cares about infotainment? Nobody wants to listen the radio inside that car. If you want a better interior you'll buy an Audi, if you want a crappy interior you'll buy a Skoda. That's it. Nice video

I own an '06 130i, absolutely love it apart from the ride! It's absolutely rock solid. Other than that, agree with your comments. Cracking car for the money, grips super well with Michelin PS4s.

This guy must give the best car reviews on you tube. Every video is a spot on and knows his cars inside out, should be on TV.

Clarkson binned it in m135i, not 130i..

Golf R32 has the most beautiful sound. I owned a MkIV R32 3door, and it is the only car I have ever regretted selling. Had a certain rawness that was totally addictive.

Sounds great and good review. I randomly cross shopped one of these with a Z4m coupe many years ago (when prices were a bit closer) and took the BMW for thrills over practically.

"These are gonna start at around about the 45 thousand pounds mark, but..." needed to rewind to hear that again. =P

I'd LOVE to see a Top Gear co-presented by JayEmm and Chris Harris

F me; this was *exactly* the video I was looking for. Thanks man! Great review comparison aswell

The 1 dislike is from the people that bought an alfa instead of the r32!

Love the original R32 and very nearly cancelled the order on my 25th Anni for one - glad I didn't, still have it. Keep teeling myself I still need to own one.

America never had the 130i (as an E82 128i owner, I say that begrudgingly), but the Mk5 R32 and second generation Audi TT 3.2 (closer rival to my E82) are definitely some of my favorites for this sort of class. Sure, the all-wheel drive isn't perfect, and the second gen TT's interior doesn't have the same character and uniqueness of the original, but overall they'd be awesome to live with. I remember the R32's ride being quite a bit firmer the my BMW. Partly because I have an older E82 with the sport package, not the LCI which offered the likely firmer M-Sport suspension. The R32 also has that lovely VR6 warble ready to go which the BMW's lack without that M-Sport exhaust like you have. Yes, I have the flap in the muffler which on lift-off will give me a little bit of low-bass pops, and a pleasing growl, but not very much. The R32 and TT both did a better job of having ones cake and eating it with their muffler valves. Like you said, the interior of the Golf also has a cheapness in some regards. The one I drove for work was back in 2016 or so, and like many VW's of the time it have the metal trim flaking off. Sure, the BMW's tend to get some wood cracking and the silly black trim on the steering wheel rubs away (both cars suffer a similar fate to buttons), the BMW does age better. All told, money no object, I'd gladly import a three-door 130i and enjoy that shooting-brake proportion and usefulness. As much as the hydraulic/electric power steering debacle, you already tried them out on your channel and never found it to be the biggest difference.

On the dsg model in S mode the redline of the R32 is 6800rpm. not sure if there is other differences but it does feel like its got longer legs in S mode. PS I prefer the dsg over manual as its about 1/2 second faster 0-60 and the downshifts are much quicker too when overtaking. Which would also give it that final edge over the BMW 1 series IMO.

The mk IV R32 is still my favorite car ever.

Just bought one of these in blue 3 door. Not cheap for 65k mileage but my god was it worth it. They started appreciating last year too! Now is THE time to buy one for anyone thinking about them. In 12 months the price for a good one will rise approx 1-2k mark my words.

GTI is the MK5 highlight 👍🏻

The mk5 shape is so nice! My favourite shape of golf from the last 4 generations of Golfs! Loved the video again Jayemm! Thumbsed up and a comment to help the algorithm😎

I wish companies would rep their unique engines more consistently. VW should have a VR6 in everything! Audi should have a 5 cylinder in everything.

I’ve got a mkv tdi with DSG and paddle shifts with 320,000 k on the clock. I’ve never touched the DSG and it’s a pleasure to use. I’d like to see performance cars tested on twisty roads not going fast on flat straights. The diesel is fabulous but obviously not a VR6 4WD but I can give an Impreza STI a run for its money.

6 months in and I am still smiling, even though my timing chain is a bit noisy, and serpentine belt.

Would love to see you review a Alfa Brera 3.2 JTS V6 SV Q4 and do a comparison of the three beasts

I love it when they leave these stock no slams or crazy body kits

That noise is just so good!

Enjoyed your review, went to go see how much they cost and you were right, had a look a fuel cost... no way 😂😂

This was a dream car...this was like the rs3 of the day...

I still have my MKV GTI purchased new in 2008. Styling wise, I prefer it to all later ones. Couldn't afford the R32 at the time, but went on a lot of drive days with dozens of MKVs. Mine has minor mods only - Whiteline rear sway bar, dogbone insert and aftermarket mount, and a stage 1 tune. I still love driving it, the engine note, the little exhaust burbles, and good enough grunt at around 188Kw vs 147Kw stock, plus some more NMs.

Ah The Squire - you should have asked him to comment on your driving in his RAF "Nigel" voice.

I bought a Brera V6 and I've had two of these golfs

That rasp from the exhaust...👂🚙💨😁💯👍

I've had 3 gtis including an Ed30 which ran stage two and an r32. If you want sheer power, Ed30, but for an all rounder, r32, it's so much more comfortable and easy to drive, and the engine sounds amazing

Love my Manual 3dr! Great videos!

This has to be one of the nicest R32 ,looks great in black

Great video, takes me back to my parents VW Golf circa 07/08

The Alfa 3.2gt or 147gta was a better comparison than the Brera. Both those have the golf beat on sound and looks/exclusivity. But as a daily driver I'd take the golf ..

I had a 2006 R32, Full VW dealer history and it had 65k on the clock when i bought it, it was probably the most reliable car I had ever owned, the EML light was on more than it was off. A lovely sounding engine though but not all that quick.

Sound even better with an open air intake

Saw one of these a few days ago in Ireland, rare here, haven't seen one for a few years. You could see the bloke loved it and considering the road taxi would be over €1,000pa he was paying for his enjoyment.

I have been owner of both cars... And for me the 130i is way much better in everything. Faster, funnier, sportier... Also the fuel economy in the 130i is way much better. The gearbox on the 130i is EXCELLENT (I had BMWP SSK). The handling of the 130i is also better and the chassis shares lots of plug n play parts with the M3 E9x... So it can be even better in an easy way. I had full Milltek non resonated on the R32 and a custom setup on the 130i (BMWP backbox + YPipe), and yes, the only thing that beats the 130i is the R32 sound with a proper exhaust. But the sound of that BMW 6L is also really nice!

I used to own a 3 door manual r32...by far the best car I've ever owned, only issue was the price of the vehicle tax which in the end i was struggling to pay so unfortunately the car had to go 😪

I used to own one of these (US market), loved the sound of the VR6, hated the DSG, the front heavy handling and the steering was numb. Ironically I replaced it with a BMW 128i coupe manual, that I loved and kept for 9 years...

Would you review a N52 Z4 Coupe? It’s the thinking mans Z4M. 40mpg. Cheap to run, £10k buys a nice one. 8/10ths the car of the Z4M for half the price and much cheaper to run. Thoughts Jay?

Passat R36 Wagon next please

Such an honest review keep it up man😎

I know you did an RS5 review but be good to see a B8 RS4 review. They had mixed response at launch but can pick one up now for low £20k

Cool bmw 130i review

Clio v6 unusable? Nonsense! One of the best hedge trimmers ever made.

Ever Driven an R36 Passat? would be interested to see that

Sadly, like jeremy C, the economy is not mentioned. bmw 30+mpg, vw 20+mpg. tax: bmw ~300, vw ~500 (i think) in uk. If this is your daily, as it was for me, this was a massive + point for the BMW, not to mention rwd vs a fwd that only becomes 4 in slides 0-60 runs.

I think the R32 edges the noise (especially with a Milltek) but I’d have the BMW; personally I think Father Time had been kinder to the interior and I prefer the exterior to VW’s jelly mould design. I’m also a sucker for the N52 engine... The BMW is a decent chunk less in VED, which was a turn off when I looked at the R32. It’s just not fast enough to find too whack VED acceptable. The R32 has gone through the bad stage of being owned by oiks and and has now come out the other side. They’re acts a pretty rare sight these days.

Love the sound of the vr6. I do however prefer the 12 valve version, it doesnt sound as raspy as the 24 valve. But then, I'm of course biassed with my trusty old Corrado vr6 😁

One of the very best-sounding engines ever.

Love the very unbiased review

It's an Audi Sponsored by the Beastie Boys. I find your 128k really surprising, you're one of the best car reviewers on here. I also, find it strange a video about old BMW diesels has more views than a 458, so what do you do?? 😂 I hope the new year brings you that kick, how about a road trip collaborating with another youtuber, the Rat man maybe? Look at Freddies series with Hoovie and Ed, maybe after the lock down get Freddie to come to the UK and do a road trip, imagine the exposure that would give you. Onwards and upwards.

Mk4 r32 was the best golf but close second is the mk5. But about bloody time we had a Volkswagen mate 😂 you know where my ❤️ is

Thank you James. Great video. Not really my kind of car. But for some reason has always been of interest and something I've wanted to try. May happen one day!

Nobody talks about the BMW 130i for a reason. R32 will always be more desirable

The MK4 R32 is the best one by quite some margin.

My brother had one .. that VR6 is glorious

Any love for the R36?

Sorry mate- You should have said Radio not required in here as the R32 sounds distinctive and glorious...Challenge over

Clever of VW to design the Golf that allows more room inside than a 1 series, considering it has 4WD too! Seems you get much more car in the Golf, bet it cost more to make than the 1 Series

Had a mk4 of these in blue. Brilliant all round car and sound brilliant. Still miss it now, look better than the mk5 also in my opinion

It's a straight 6 with offset cylinders to make it shorter 😉 3/8's of a Veyron engine.

The vr6 sounds sooooo good. Plus it's better looking and a great sleeper.

There's just so much more to it than the 130i though. Its just good all round.

Gearbox wise, the bmw is a rod type and is solid as the gearbox is in the tunnel unlike the VW that uses a cable setup as the box is on the side of the engine.

Had both and if I had to choose again, I’d have the 130i in manual - it just felt more taut and a bit quicker. The R32 was a good everyday car but the 130 was the one to just go for a drive in.

The mk5 golf..the one with bolted on door skins...that were too tight...they would arrive at the dealer following a journey on a transporter where the bolts would break on route...car arrived at dealer brand new missing a door skin..top quality

Such great content from this guy

You Brits are so lucky. . .over here in South Africa we got the Mk5 R32 in DSG only. . .the only manual I've seen in the flesh is actually a UK import

Breaks my heart seeing this had to sell mine to pay rent im absolutely broken hearted/ that was a year ago now just about to buy another one 😉

Love how you took the Micky out of Clarkson.

i went for the mk1 rs focus at the time these was going out the dealers! whot a car that mk1 rs focus was!

Great car love the mk5 r32 Brilliant episode Thank you

had an Audi A3 with the 3.2 , the soundtrack is addictive .

That VR sound 😍

Think the VW wins the look's award though!!

I’m confused, was this an R32 review, or a one series?

Money no object I'd transplant that vr6 engine into the mark 6 r and add a supercharger, my two fav noises together in a nicer looking (imo) mk6.

love the end credits.. very hoovies garage inspired

To be fair, this guy does a better job than the folk on the actual TV shows. Have you done a cosworth, rs turbo, m5 ?? Other videos I would like to see

Considered one of these when I got my 197

I had one for a short time, quite quick off the line but not much top end.

"Vee-Inline engine" (VR-Motor).