Overview & Reviews
The Volkswagen R32 returns for 2008. This VW GTI on steroids packs a 250-horsepower V6, all-wheel drive and a host of luxury features.
- Muscular V6, fantastic automated manual transmission, comfortable and quiet cabin, excellent steering feel, everything except a nav system is standard.
- Hefty curb weight dulls handling on twisty roads, choosing the optional nav system deletes the CD changer, pricey for a compact hatchback.
User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 45.00-
Blue 08 R32 - 2008 Volkswagen R32
By JRP - December 14 - 7:23 amIf slot cars could be full scale this might be it. Steering is right on, just point where you want it to go. Suspension is firm but does not beat you up. Transmission is a blast with the engine being eager all the time. Relaxed when you want it to be, fun when you need it to be. Roomier inside than youd think.
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Mature fun - 2008 Volkswagen R32
By vincenth - November 23 - 3:40 pmAfter taking three long test drives comparing the new EVO, STI, and R32, I decided to purchase the VW. While both the EVO and STI will out perform the R32, I felt the VW was the best overall blend of performance and comfort.
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I made a big mistake. - 2008 Volkswagen R32
By alleyoop - August 28 - 12:30 amI paid too much for a Over Steroid GTI. Not a bad vehicle but not what I expected for the price. I only have 901 miles on it and it sits in the garage. When I do take it out I pray that someone will steal it or total it out. I cant even give away as a cheap trade in. Basically, I did not do my homework.
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Total sleeper! - 2008 Volkswagen R32
By Bio Two - September 14 - 12:43 amI tested both GTI then the R32 on the same raod and same driving style. If it was not the price tag, it will be a no brianer R32 is the one. I picked the R32 anyway. This car is super fun to drive. After getting used to the car and start pushing it, I was shocked that how much a $33000 car can do! Especially on wet road, this car car pretty much beat any moving object on the road! If you can totally master this car, you can out run most of the higher power cars on the market even with the only 250bhp. I often play with my co-workers BMW 335i, as long as there are some turns, he will has a hard time to catch up. The sweetest feature... Lanch Control!!
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From BMW to R32 and Back - 2008 Volkswagen R32
By crooner12 - April 29 - 12:23 amI 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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Super special Golf, regular build quality - 2008 Volkswagen R32
By canyondrive - March 7 - 2:50 amIn 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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Blue R32 - 2008 Volkswagen R32
By Brera - January 10 - 12:26 amI was going back and forth between the R32 and 2008 STI since I wanted a performance hatchback. After much angst, I decided to get the R32 - came down to I wanted a moonroof. While the car is fun to drive, it doesnt have nearly the same zip as my 2006 WRX which I still own, and find driving it more fun. The R32 is a great car to drive if you want to have fun and dont want to deal with shifting gears in traffic. Since Im only leasing the car for 2 years, I will probably unload it and get the new STI - 305 hp!!! There is no comparison.
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A TON of Fun! - 2008 Volkswagen R32
By travelingman - July 16 - 2:10 pmI 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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Worth the Wait - 2008 Volkswagen R32
By jn - March 14 - 1:20 amI was set on buying a GTI until i found a dealer that was selling their last 2 R32s for $4K below the list price (including the VW rebate) instead of $4K over like my local VW dealer. I ended up paying $29.3K (without Nav.) which is only about $3-4K more that an optioned up GTI. So far the car has lived up to its billing. The power is more than adequate for in town driving, the handling is great and the exhaust note is pure magic. The gas mileage is even acceptable as long as you keep your foot out of it. It was the Readers Reviews on Edmunds that convinced me to got for it and i have not been disappointed.
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Performance Car - Make Sure Youre Ready - 2008 Volkswagen R32
By V - February 25 - 5:30 amComing from an 06 GTI, I am not sure if I should have moved to an R32. It has everything the enthusiasts want - incredible road grip, throaty exhaust, V6 power, and AWD. But, the zip (even with lag) of the GTIs 2.0T was great for me. The premium price for the exclusivity of owning one of 5,000 is a bitter pill to swallow, but the car does everything the manufacturer promises and more. Because of the power and AWD, the car literally sucks gas. I feel like I am driving an SUV when I have a compact car. Mileage has been about 19-20 in mixed driving. My GTI pulled at least 27 mpg.
