A New Year and a Change of Pace.

It’s been a minute since we made an update here so what better way to kick things off with a new car in the stable. Since the last update the MK7 Golf GTi has gone back and I decided to scratch the ‘M’ badge itch with a 2017 BMW M4 Competition, in Sakhir Orange.

It all started with a casual browse through the classifieds, as many searches do. I had a rough idea of what I was looking for in my next car but I was also open to see what else the market had to offer at the time. A few F Series M3’s and M4’s were shortlisted along with a couple of interesting C63 AMG wagons. The C63 wagon ticked a lot of boxes but ultimately I wanted a car I could also take on track if the opportunity presented itself, and felt although the C63 is a very capable car, the M cars were more suited towards the handling side of things and not to mention a bit lighter. So with the C63’s cleared off the shortlist I was left with an M3 or M4. As I started to make enquires over both cars a Competition spec M4 came on the market within budget, FSH and low mileage. Without hesitation I jumped on the phone and arranged to go and see the car a few days later. A couple of tire kicks and test drive later I was hooked. I made an offer and the car was mine.

A few weeks have now passed since I took delivery and the M4 hasn’t disappointed. I have had a few RWD drive cars in the past, namely the VXR8. Both of these cars seem to share the same nervous disposition in anything but bone dry tarmac. I know what you are thinking, It’s a RWD car with over 450BHP and similar torque, what do you expect when you are asking the rears to grip under heavy load on a damp surface, and you’d be right of course. Its more the surprise of it when it breaks traction at low speeds, even with the lightest of throttle applications. I have kept the traction control on but have noticed that it will allow a certain amount of slip until it takes over, much like the M2 Competition that has the variable slip function, although clearly in the M4 its either on or off as far as I’m aware. A twitchy rear end aside that little bit of slip is glorious when you can anticipate it powering out of a bend.

As far as the straight line pace and acceleration goes the M4 really gets up and going when you get a clear open stretch. The way it thunders through the gears (in the most aggressive mode) is really impressive, the changes are quick and ferocious. Changing down is just as impressive, with a nice throttle blip between the gears. I’ve kept the exhaust valve setting mostly in Sport Plus so far, which gives you a nice throaty note over the efficient setting. It also activates the most sporty of the throttle maps which I prefer over the others for the feel. The efficient setting does get used, mainly on a long motorway drive just to keep the exhaust noise down a bit and improve the fuel economy.

The cabin so far is a lovely place to be. The M Sport seats are comfortable, even on longer journeys I’ve not had any complaints, and that’s from a 6ft 5 oaf. Also the controls are sensibly laid out and easy to use. I’ve previously used the I-Drive media system on other F series BMW’s and its very easy to navigate and get the hang of in my opinion. So looking long term plans wise with the car, I’d like to get some genuine carbon wing mirror caps to match the roof and boot lip spoiler, I may also look at getting a spare set of wheels to run track day semi slicks on for when I get out on track with it. I am also toying with the idea of fitting Recaro Pole Position bucket seats and harnesses. I’ve seen a few Euro/Jap styled cars and its a style that really appeals.

For now, its time to get some more miles under its belt and usher on the dryer weather of spring and summer.

Living with a Golf R32.

The VW Golf R32 had a relatively short life with only the mark 4 and mark 5 models being produced. However as we know, VW went on to introduce and replace the R32 with the mark 6 Golf R, ditching the NA V6 for a lighter and cheaper 2 litre turbo engine. Many R32 enthusiasts decided to hold on to them though, favoring the character of the V6 howl over the relatively muted sound of the forced inducted 2 litre in the R. Having never owned or driven any R32, only a mark 7 GTi, I turned to an old friend and enthusiast who has had the pleasure of owning a mark 5 for a while now. Here’s what he had to say about the V6 hatch.

“Having owned a 2005 BMW 320d M Sport for just over 7 years with 180,000 miles on the clock, it was time for a change. I was looking for something more fun to drive, exciting, and a car that would put a smile back on my face, but was also going to be my daily drive. I decided to buy a 2008 manual VW Golf R32 mk5 covering 66,000 miles in the lovely deep blue pearl colour, the best colour and most recognized I feel. I knew this car would cost me a fair amount of money to run and maintain but it didn’t put me off as it is a car that you rarely see on the roads these days, becoming a modern day classic and of course the last of the naturally aspirated 3.2 litre V6 ever being produced in a golf. I like owning that rarer car, something different and the compliments you get from people saying how well the car is kept is really nice to hear. After nearly 2 years of owning the car I still find it really difficult to stop putting my foot down when I drive it, just the noise of the the V6 sound is incredible and still puts the biggest smile on my face, it never gets boring. With living in Milton Keynes I never get a decent mpg as my speed is not a constant, so I get an average 23 mpg, which isn’t great. At the moment (September 2020) it costs approx £65 to fill up and I would get around 300 miles to the tank if I was lucky. Thankfully I only do approximately 7000 miles a year so isn’t so bad. But as they say it’s smiles per gallon not miles per gallon.

The R32 is a quick car even despite its heavy 1541 kg weight. With 250 bhp to play with you can use all the power but not feel like you will lose control at any time. The throttle response is quick and will keep going until it hits 7000 rpm. It has good torque where you can sit it in 6th gear and still travel at speeds of 35-40 mph without any hesitation of it stalling or struggling which is nice not to have to change gear constantly at lower speeds, but still have the pull when needed. It is a comfortable car when travelling longer distances and quiet when you want it to be. It’s handling is very good indeed and is fun to drive in the countryside on the winding roads. The 4 motion system works really well keeping you stuck to the road and can almost give you a “being on rails effect”. Giving excellent traction and better handling especially in the wet, resulting in no understeer or wheel spin. Roll on the winter so I can get out in the snow and see how well it performs!!

The body-styling is fairly subtle which I do like, it’s not in your face and isn’t much different from the GTI. The centered valved chrome twin exhaust pipes look stunning when polished up and gives it that sporty look . Also that rasp at certain revs, the valve opening up the second pipe to create that unforgettable R32 noise I’m all so fond of. Another nice subtle touch is the chrome look front grill and the rear boot spoiler. Inside there are nice touches with sort after Recaro wing back bucket seats which continue the same cloth pattern into the rear of the car. This is a very sort after aftermarket option installed by the previous owner. The aluminum race flag embossed pedals really give it that sporty look and feel when you pop yourself inside the cockpit of this iconic car. 10/10!!  The entertainment system is a factory fitted touch screen media with sat nav.

There will always be a downside to owing a 12 year old car and one with a performance engine. I have serviced it once a year or near enough every 7000 miles with a VW specialist. As I’ve only had it 2 years both services each have been around the £840 mark, service and replacing various worn out parts. Expected from the age of this vehicle.  Every year it goes in for a service there is always something else that needs fixing, seems to be a never ending list that gets bigger and bigger but you try your best to get them done when you can. Another downside is of course the high road tax. This years road tax is £580 which is a lot of money for something you don’t get much from. It goes up a small amount each year but will the R32 be pushed off the road with the continued increase of tax. Fingers crossed it doesn’t!!

All in all the R32 is such a fun loving, iconic car to drive, the noise, the great handling, the looks. It will for sure be a classic in the future and one I am proud to have owned”.

Words from our latest contributor Jonny Fields.