The VW Golf GTI and Peugot 205 GTI are generally considered the origin of the hot hatch category. They were cheap economy cars with some performance parts bolted on, making driving excitement available to the masses without sacrificing practicality. Without question, those original hot hatches transformed the auto industry…but I think the MK4 Golf R32 deserves credit for ushering in the modern generation of hot hatches (or super hatches, as Forza insists on calling them).
Aside from the Bugatti Veyron, there is probably no better example of Piech-era Volkswagen than the Mk4 Golf R32. With the R32, hot hatches moved up-market. This unassuming blue Golf brought Mercedes-Benz-rivaling interior quality, a more powerful engine with an iconic exhaust note, and all wheel drive. It’s a masterclass in combining performance with livability, and it’s a formula that is replicated across the current auto industry. Modern icons like the Audi RS3, Mercedes A45 AMG, Ford Focus RS, and Toyota GR Corolla all borrow the characteristics the R32 brought to the scene back in 2004. No wonder R32 values remain impressively high – a clean 97 mile one sold on BaT for $104,000, while more pedestrian copies still command at least their original asking price.
With all that pedigree and desirability, it’s amazing that it took so long for Hot Wheels to take notice. Luckily, after 22 years, the R32 is finally getting the 1/64 love it deserves, and I had to have one. Unfortunately, it is only available in a 2 pack with a rerelease of the mediocre Mk7 Golf…but that wasn’t going to stop me from picking it up. The R32 alone is well worth the $15 asking price.
If you’re anything like me, the first thing you noticed about this casting is the cracked sunroof. It’s a very cool design choice that adds a ton of life to the model. We’ve seen cracked sunroofs before, most notably on the VW Corrado, but unlike that casting, the rest of the R32 is actually a good casting!
When I first saw pictures of it online, I was worried the R32 would be a bit too big (as so often happens with small cars from the Mattel brands). Luckily, my fears were unfounded. This R32 scales nicely with other hot hatch models like the Ford Focus RS and Matchbox’s Golf GTE. Its low ride height makes it feel like an OEM+ enthusiast-owned car compared to the stock ride height of the Mk8.
Volkswagen’s .:R models always look best in their signature blue color (though the blue isn’t a specific shade – it changes with every generation). For this Mk4, Hot Wheels went with a very saturated metallic blue paint that I think looks fantastic. It’s just flashy enough to differentiate this model from a standard Golf, but still restrained enough to look classy.
Hot Wheels absolutely nailed the printed details on this model. Unfortunately, my specific example has a slight misalignment of the VW badge in the grille, but it doesn’t seem like a widespread issue from what I’ve seen online. After putting that monstrosity of an aftermarket bumper on its Corrado, I’m glad Hot Wheels opted for a factory look on the R32. It looks simple, clean, and classy, just as a proper Volkswagen should.
The Mk4’s iconic profile is perfectly replicated, with wheel fitment that looks spot-on! These gray 10 spokes are a pretty close match for the style of the Aristo wheels you usually see on R32s, though their color could be a bit lighter. I’m thrilled that Hot Wheels chose to keep the side detailing minimal and factory-correct, with only a marker light on the fender.
The detailing at the rear is among the best I’ve ever seen from Hot Wheels. The factory-spec brake lights wrap nicely around onto the sides of the model and are perfectly aligned, while the badging is kept simple with just a VW logo and an R32 badge. Continuing one of my favorite Hot Wheels trends, this Golf gets silver detailing on its exhaust tips, and I can practically hear the Wookie noises from that iconic VR6. We’ve seen exhaust detailing on many of the new castings designed in the last year or so, and I hope it’s a trend we see continue because it adds so much realism to a model!
Hot Wheels even added black detailing in the vents along the bottom of the rear bumper. They could have easily gotten away with skipping that detail and few collectors would have complained, but they chose to go the extra mile and I appreciate that attention to detail. The whole thing is topped off by a realistic California-style custom license plate. I love to see it!
Between this new R32 and the upcoming Toyota GR Yaris from the Boulevard series, it feels like Hot Wheels is inching ever closer to the Hot Hatch themed premium set that I’ve been dreaming of for years. Whether they brand a set like that or not, there is plenty of potential for great recolors on this casting. Red, silver, and black were all factory colors on the R32, and I’d love to see any of them added to the Hot Wheels lineup. This blue version will hold me over for now though…I’m just so glad it’s finally here!
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I totally agree, R32 is amazing! And with an upcoming Focus RS Hot Wheels has chance to seriously improve its reputation. However Focus must be close to Realtoy version or even better; I’m waiting for one and only Imperial Blue. For me Corrado is also beautiful despite its strange additions. In future I wait for Clio Williams or Peugeot 205 GTI but it’s difficult to beat Majorette and Norev versions.
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