'I'm a car expert - this popular hatchback is the perfect future classic'

A leading motoring expert has revealed a plucky hatchback which was popular in the UK could be the best "perfect future classic" on the market. TikTok expert @CapturingCars claimed the Volkswagen Golf R32 could stand the test of time and retain its value years down the line.

The R32 model is a highly regarded hot hatch, with the model establishing itself at the very top of the Golf range during its lifespan. Production started on the Mk4 R32 back in 2002 with a Mk5 version hitting UK markets in November 2005. According to How Many Left, there were still as many as 4,600 R32 models on UK roads back in 2014.

Numbers have slightly dropped with around 2,800 remaining on the roads today but there is enough stock to maintain a decent second-hand market long into the future.

TikTok user @CapturingCars said: "What car in your opinion is the perfect future classic? I had never thought about this until today and I think I photographed the perfect future classic car earlier on.

"For me, it's the Volkswagen Golf R32. As I said I've never really thought about this topic. And unfortunately, I thought about the topic after I actually left this car."

The expert added: "I worked for Volkswagen in 2010 so I drove a few R32s from the years just before that and always remember them being really good cars.

"I think I'd forgotten. I've not driven one in so long, I drove one today and I drive an S3. I found the R32, which is six years older than my car, and it just felt really really nice."

"I'm talking about a car you can pick up from £8,000 to £10,000, whatever it might be, that could be worth that level of money in the future. I think the R32 fits that bill perfectly."

The R32 has been praised for its mix of impressive performance and comfortable ride. Fitted with an impressive all-wheel-drive system, the model is also considered pretty reliable in a boost to potential owners.

The R32 model is also fitted with an updated interior with added features such as aluminum trim and sports seats. Models can be picked up on second-hand car marketplace sites such as AutoTrader for under £5,000.

When looking back at the R32, motoring experts at Parkers said: "What you do get is one of the fastest and most powerful Golfs ever produced with a 250hp 3.2-litre V6 and four-wheel-drive for excellent grip in all conditions.

"It's the gentleman's, rather than the boy racer's, hot hatch, and even today, it stacks up as a performance car."