Golf goes big
Posted Fri, 27 Oct 2006
From the most powerful production Golf ever and a Citi Golf on steroids, there's plenty left in VW's most popular brand.
Billed as the fastest Golf ever, the Golf R32 storms into South Africa in the first quarter of 2007. It's powered by a 3.2-litre 186kW V6 engine coupled to either a six-speed manual or DSG auto transmission, hitting 100km/h from standstill in a claimed 6.2 seconds for the manual (or 6.6 seconds for the DSG).
Power is transferred to the road via an intelligent AWD system, with stiffened suspension all round (four link at the rear, strut type up front), dampers and thicker anti-roll bars to refine the brute.
It's longer too (42mm) and boasts other unique features like a shield shaped grille surround, exclusive bumpers, centrally placed twin chrome exhausts and blue brake callipers. Price? R310 000 for the manual, R323 500 for the DSG.
All sexed up is the Citi 1.8iR, powered by a 90kW, 1.8i engine that drives the budget Golf from 0 to 100km/h in a claimed 8,5 seconds.
The package includes a three-spoke sport steering wheel, silver dials, vents and sill, silver foot pedals, sports seats up front and CD player.
Outside there's a rear spoiler, double exhaust, lowered suspension, 15-inch six-spoke alloy wheels and a fully integrated body kit. Braking is via a diagonally linked dual circuit hydraulic brake system with red disc callipers and self-adjusting rear drums.
