The Volkswagen Golf R stands above all other Golf variants in terms of performance and prestige. First introduced as the Golf R32 with a 3.2-liter narrow-angle VR6 engine and standard all-wheel drive, ...

Let's get this straight right off the bat: The Volkswagen R32 is not as fast as the Subaru Impreza WRX STI. Nor does it have the grip of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. But you know what? Who cares.

Remember the six-pot Golf VR6 4MOTION and the Golf VR6 Syncro before it? Said models paved the way for the six-cylinder Golf R32, which Volkswagen then replaced with the four-pot Golf R. Not long now, ...