Nevertheless, we can?t simply dismiss the R32 outright, because this vehicle is about more than sheer grunt. It also grips like some kind of infernal succubus through the twisty bits. During our hot laps, it proved extremely surefooted through the corners, giving the driver the confidence to push way beyond its perceived limits of adhesion to the point where the chassis is really starting to play.

And you know what? At this level of commitment, the R32 is actually a sublime machine to pedal. The heavy motor out front does cause understeer to set in quite quickly on a maximum-attack run, but stay committed to the loud pedal and you?ll actually feel the AWD setup neutralising this trait, the Golf tracking ?round the bend like it?s on rails. All the while accompanied by one very tasty exhaust note. Inside, there?s more good news for fans of this car. From the driver?s seat, you?re left in no doubt about its status as the ultimate road-going Golf money can buy.

There?s also a lot more kit in here compared to the R80K-cheaper GTI, which explains where some of the extra money has gone.

In fact, add up all the bits you get standard on the R32, like the DSG gearbox for instance, and spec a GTI up to match and you?ll notice that in fact the R32 is only R25K or so pricier. Then take into account that you can?t get AWD on a GTI.

Let?s face it, the new M3 is almost R200K more than a 335i, which thanks to its brace of turbos is as quick if not quicker here at the Reef, but if you were a driving enthusiast and an aficionado of the propeller-roundel, which would you have on your driveway? Exactly, so why can?t VW trade on the same emotional factor with this R32?

And every time you took it for a jaunt down to coastal altitudes, you?ll be reminded of just where that last R25K premium has gone? Among this band of heavy-hitting machines, however, it?s just too slow to be the giant-killer Golf fans had hoped for.