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 41 through 50 of 199.00

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  Fun car! - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By 604doc - September 5 - 2:30 pm

  This car wasnt even a consideration for me until a friend told me about it. I fell in love with the car on the test drive. Its comfortable on long drives, and just a hoot zipping around the city. Its hard to drive the car "easy", so Im not sure of the MPG yet.

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  WHAT A CAR!!! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By psyopgod - August 22 - 10:26 pm

  All around best car Ive owned in 30 years of driving. My advice: GET ONE! Oh Wait - there arent that many left. Well - good luck. FUN FUN FUN!!

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  All Around Epic - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Dubsanator - August 14 - 12:10 pm

  I purchased the vehicle at a great price because it had a lot of miles on it, I have been driving it ever since i bought it and wouldnt trade it for the world. I work at a dealership and Ive driven my share of cars, this one takes the cake as the most fun car I have ever driven. Period. Everything about it screams amazing, the look, the styling, the epic exhaust sound, the amazing handling, the peppy speed, the smooth six speed gearbox, and last but surely not the end or least, the epic brakes. All around this car is a great buy, coming with numerous interior features that barely come standard on your common exensive BMW. Like I said, wouldnt trade it for anything.

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  A TON of Fun! - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By travelingman - July 16 - 2:10 pm

  I bought my blue R32 (with nav) in April and drive 85 miles a day to work. This car is a great commuting car; fun to drive, comfortable ride but a ton of torque at any speed. I have had an Audi S4 and S6 and neither is as fun as this car. The only two things that I have added to the car is a clear bra and a Parrot blue tooth system that integrates directly to to the phone button on the steering wheel. It works wonderfully with my iphone 3G.

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  R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By LAZARO - July 1 - 11:40 pm

  Ive had several VWs, but this R32 is by far the best i have ever owned.

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  My New R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Kathy Reck - May 5 - 10:00 am

  I used to drive a Chrysler 300M which was wonderful but this car has turned me from a old granny driver (as my daughter calls me) to a speedracer! I love my R32!

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  The .:R is back and better than ever! - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By Dr. A. Keller - May 2 - 3:33 pm

  The new R32 may not be as rugged as the previous-gen R32, but it definitely feels a bit more refined with a stiffer chassis, precise handling, more upscale interior material, more comfort features, etc.; all while still retaining its crown as the ultimate hot hatch! The VR6 has a very nice grunt from all around the rev band and is a perfect match with the DSGs lighting fast, crisp gear changes. You can definitely feel the VR6 open up with the more miles you put it through. It feels MUCH more aggressive now (1200 + miles) than it did when I picked her up with 12 miles. If I can describe the R32 in a few short words: its a wolf in sheeps clothing.

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  I love my R - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Mike C - April 20 - 2:40 pm

  I have had my 2004 Volkswagen R32 for over a year now and would not trade it for anything else that was close in price. I have a cold air intake, short shift kit and a performance chip installed on mine and it makes it even faster and more fun. The intake actually increases the sound of the exhaust without sounding like the imports when you really get on it. It always makes me smile, I feel like a little kid when ever I take it through the gears and start passing people. I have had only two small problems with it, my driver side window switch started skipping and my rear calipers had to be replaced, a pin was worn out (with only 14,000 miles). Both items were covered under warranty.

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  Luxury Golf, more practical than a TT - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By vdub69 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Since Ive only had this car for almost a week, reliability and quality is not a question that can be answered yet. For this reason, Im giving it a neutral rating. After 100,000 miles Ill let you know how reliable it was and how it holds together. I bought this car partly because I see it as a more practical(and less costly) version of the Audi TT. All-wheel drive (4-motion), similar engine, similar chassis, great stereo, great interior. This is a luxury car in Golf hatchback clothing. Automatic climate control seems to be working great.

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  Big Smiles; Big Scratch for a Hot Hatch - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Masswhole - March 24 - 10:00 am

  This is an Audi TT 3.2 with interior space and a 6-speed tranny at 75% of the cost. I "downgraded" from an Audi A4. Before that, I loved my Jetta GLX, esp. the responsive, peppy motor & tight suspension. The R32 has luxury, more pep, less curb weight, stickier suspension & Haldex AWD--a good compromise between the two cars. Im installing a 22mm rear antisway bar--the back end feels sloppy with high-speed swerving. (Factory tire pressure is too low also.) Im 30 y.o. and the GTI is aimed at the 18-24 y.o. demographic. I now get less road respect (less garage respect too; more door dings) post-A4; people (including cops) see a VW w/o understanding its performance.