Fast forward to the early 90’s and things at Volkswagen had snowballed. Following the success of the MKi & ii, the engineers had cooked up a whole new engine concept for the MKiii Golf, the VR6. A naturally aspirated 2.8 litre 12v engine was the first 6-cylinder to be fitted to a Golf. Despite poor reviews about the sluggish performance, journalists could at least agree that it sounded awesome. It would be the start of great things to come.

By the time the MKiv R32 stormed onto the scene, a larger and more powerful 3.2 litre 24v VR6 would provide the blueprint for what followed. The R32 was no comfortable cruiseliner like its MKiii predecessor, this 237bhp thug meant business. The introduction of a Haldex all-wheel-drive system helped to improve handling and put down the extra power, becoming a cult classic among young petrolheads.

The first R32 would be a tough act to follow, but Volkswagen possesses the Midas touch when it comes to producing cars that perfectly tap into the zeitgeist of our collective imaginations. Classic Beetles and Campervans aside, the Golf brand has endured. Its enthusiasts cultivating a formidable and prestigious culture, even pioneering magazine publications dedicated to both modified creations and concours restorations.

It would be doing Volkswagen a disservice to assume the R32 is just a souped up GTI. That would be too easy. The 2.0litre turbocharged item in the GTI has been left on the shelf. A revised 3.2 litre VR6 lump provides a powerful but usable 247bhp and 320N⋅m of torque to propel the silver hatchback down the road, capable of a top speed of 155mph and a 0-60mph in 6.3 seconds.