Overview & Reviews

The Volkswagen R32 two-door hatchback was introduced to the U.S. market in 2004 as a range-topping model for VW's performance cars. Starting with the Golf and GTI platform of the time, VW's engineers shoehorned in enough upgraded parts to make the R32 a standout performer in its class. Along with the expected boost in power, courtesy of a narrow-angle V6, the R32 also included VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, more aggressive suspension tuning and a sporty interior. These upgrades enabled the R32 to generate fairly impressive performance statistics and earned it an almost cultlike following. The car's limited availability added to its appeal -- just 5,000 examples were sold stateside in that first and only year.

VW enthusiasts in the U.S. would have to wait four more years for the second-generation R32. Again available in limited numbers, the Volkswagen R32 was based on the latest Golf, or Rabbit in the U.S. The exterior changes between the first- and second-generation R32s were subtle, and they pretty much shared the same engine, but the new R32 boasted a stiffer body structure as well as a restyled interior and more cabin space. Sadly for enthusiasts, the second-generation R32 was limited to a single year of stateside availability (2008), just like its predecessor.

Most Recent Volkswagen R32

The second-generation Volkswagen R32 came as a two-door hatchback in 2008, its sole year of availability, and was powered by a 3.2-liter V6. The V6 produced 250 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque and was paired with a six-speed automated dual-clutch manual transmission (VW's direct-shift gearbox, or DSG) featuring steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. All-wheel drive was standard, and one could expect a 0-60 time of 6.0 seconds.

Distinguishing between the first- and second-generation Volkswagen R32 is best accomplished by comparing the nose and tail of each. Headlight designs differ noticeably, and the second-generation grille is surrounded by a brushed-metallic accent that extends below the bumper into the front airdam, while its predecessor has a more traditional body-colored plastic fascia. From the rear, the most discernible differences are the distinct taillight designs and the placement of the exhaust -- the second generation has its twin polished pipes mounted centrally, while the first generation's trumpets are located farther apart.

The second-generation R32's upmarket standard amenities included xenon headlights, heated leather seats, iPod connectivity and high-quality interior materials. As far as options were concerned for the second-generation R32, there were only two -- a navigation system and a no-cost choice of either all-season or aggressive summer tires.

In reviews, our editors praised the R32's cool and composed driving character. Hardly anything fazed this car, whether it was a midcorner bump, a stop-and-go morning commute or a wide-open stretch of highway. Cabin appointments were top-notch -- other hot hatches didn't come close to the sense of quality that the R32's interior exuded. One of our few complaints concerned the V6, which didn't sound or feel as urgent as it should in a performance-oriented car at this price point.

Past Volkswagen R32 Models

The first-generation R32 was a short-lived model produced only for 2004. Initially, Volkswagen wasn't convinced buyers in the U.S. would be interested in an enthusiast-oriented compact like the R32. It had been eight years since the company ceased production on the Corrado, its top-level performance coupe. When the two-door R32 finally arrived on our shores, it was made available with only one option -- leather seats.

Power was generated by Volkswagen's venerable VR6 engine, which had been pumped up to 3.2 liters for this application, resulting in 240 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual was the only available transmission. Knowing full well that this amount of power would be excessive if channeled solely through the front wheels, VW endowed the R32 with standard AWD.

While the Volkswagen R32 was never meant to take on rally-inspired models from Japan, the comparisons to these all-wheel-drive pocket rockets were unavoidable. All were at home on a racetrack or in autocross, with abundant power and grip. And while the R32 lacked the all-out turbocharged thrust of the Japanese models, it made up for this shortcoming with its everyday livability, which put those high-strung rivals to shame. The R32's absence of turbo lag and its ability to carve predatory lines through canyon roads while maintaining a civilized demeanor on long highway straights made it an all-purpose Swiss Army knife compared to the more specialized scalpels from Asia.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 199.00

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  Black Magic R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Wingger - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Im really enjoying my car. Its fun to drive and attractive. The handling is great. The engine always feels strong. The car so far still has no rattles or squeaks; it feels very solid.

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  VWs sleeper - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By The VW that could - May 19 - 6:56 pm

  If youre looking for performance, and BMW-like build quality that the Asian cars cant touch, look no further! This car gets up, in any weather, and youd be amazed at the things that will fit in the back of this thing! Performance, versatility, and a great look, the car cant be beat! The seats are amazing when cornering at the cars limit, but truth be told, theyre a bit restrictive for everyday use, in my opinion. You get it all: the good, the bad and the ugly!!

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  From BMW to R32 and Back - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By crooner12 - April 29 - 12:23 am

  I purchased a 2008 R32 back in January. It was a great little car, had good performance thanks to the AWD, and sounded magnificent with the dual exhaust. Coming from an 06 Z4 3.0i, it was a totally different experience. Not as luxurious and not has sporty handling, but it felt just as fast. Ultimately, I missed the convertible and didnt think the "boy-racer" styling fit my personality, so I traded it in for a BMW 135i convertible.

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  WOW - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By TBW - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Test drove it and knew from the start it would be the car I would buy. I am a big fan of the WRX STI but the R32 has been a great alternative. This car does not have to try to be cool. It has everything you want in a car. Too get to the point this car does everything. It may not be the fastest or the most luxurious but it does a damn good job of coming real close. The next time you see one and wonder if it is as nice as you think.......you are right!

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  GTI R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By VWR32 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is incredible, you can not find a better all around package, performance, handling, features, AWD, and that awesome sound! VW has done an excellent job here. I encourage anyone interested in this car to get one while they are available. There are not many cars that will put this kind of a smile on your face every time you drive it!

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  Hooligan Hatch - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By .:R32John - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I have only had this car for 3 months but i must say it feel this may be my favorite car (that i have owned). I have owned an M-Roadster, TT 225 Quattro, 330ci, Porsche 944s, and a Ford Mustang GT and needless to say, this is the most fun to drive. I look at it as if an MRoadster and a TT were to have an offspring, this would be it!

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  The Most Fun youll ever have in a Car! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By BassMan097 - April 23 - 10:00 am

  The R32 exhibits superiority in overall build quality, interior and exterior styling, out-of- this-world handling and braking, and a stout, naturally aspirated powerplant with power on tap at any spot in the power band. The incredible support offered by the leather Konig racing seats, the feel of the thick but small steering wheel, the accessibility of the 6 speed short throw shifter, and the incredbile exhaust note lets you know the R means business. After one drive on a twisty mountain road and it will become obvious that this autobahn bred beast is pure driving excitment.

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  Superb package! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By ahnold - March 16 - 2:00 am

  In a word:FUN. Has all the creature- comforts and practicality in a tight, fast, sticks-like-glue package. Test drive it and youll buy it! Only 5000 produced for North America in 2004....destined for collectibility, I think.

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  Super special Golf, regular build quality - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By canyondrive - March 7 - 2:50 am

  In the price range of new c300, 328i,G35 and is350, this car is truly for the VW enthusiast who doesnt mind paying a lot. You get a great sounding engine (thank you VW engneeer!), transmission, semi-sleeper styling, more than enough power for non-racers. But this is basically a golf, which first came to EU in 2003. Especially the interior is feeling a bit old already (shame on VWoA for being so slow). This has been my second day with the car, and I already started to hear interior pieces rattle on rough roads. Stereo sounds ok until you crank up the base - then it sound like some economy speakers.

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  Most Amazing VW ever built - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Scottishceltic - March 6 - 10:00 am

  I have had the R32 for a month now (traded my 2003 GTI) and am loving every minute that I spend driving the car. In fact, I find excuses to leave the house so that I can sit behind the wheel of this extraordinary machine. The comfort, the body style, the sound and of course all of the staring eyes as you dart in and out of traffic make this car an absolute dream. If you have $30,000 to spend on a car, look no further - the R32 is for you. (Might need to hurry up though before the 5000 U.S. editions are snapped up) You may think it is pricey but just look at the included features and all you can say is "absolute quality".