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 91 through 100 of 199.00

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  Rrrrrr Mateee! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Smyle - July 17 - 8:16 am

  Ive only owned my bright red R32 for a couple of weeks now, but I absolutely love it! It does bother me that I cant beat an Evo or an STI, but then I just remind myself that it CAN beat 90% of the other cars on the road and has all the lavish luxuriousness of a fine German automobile. I also remind myself that everyone and their dog owns an Evo or STI and my 2004 R32 is one of only 5,000 in North America (one of only 500 in red). This puts a large grin on my face, as although the Evo and STI may be faster, the owners of these very cars lust after an R32. A driver of an STI approached me enviously when he discovered I was buying it from the lot. Performance and luxury beat just performance!

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  R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Hotvwcurves - May 9 - 2:00 am

  pictures dont do the R32 justice, and she is well worth the price difference between the GTI (6K) for AWD, sport suspention a 3.2l vr6 6sp, naturally aspirated and had awesome potential for car builders, without having to worry about traction... engine pulls even all the way through, and the additional styling inside and out is flashy without getting you pulled over;)

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  Fun so far!!! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Ricky Roadracer - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Just got it this past week. Getting it out on some back twisty roads, Im impressed with the handling and most responsive motor. Big time fun. Way cool! WAY COOL!!!

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  bes awd vehicle ever built - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By R32FREAK - April 28 - 10:00 am

  like the title said best car ever!! i turboed mine and estimate about 325hp to the wheels ran a 11.9 on stock tires.

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  Still Great at 25K Miles - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By J D Sharp - April 19 - 4:23 am

  I wrote about my car shortly after receiving it in 2007. Here we are nearly two years later, and I still love it. No mechanical problems at all. Gas mileage is still mediocre (25mpg at very best, all highway driving, more like 18 in the city . . .) but understandable when theres so much power on tap. Seats continue to be completely supportive even after two years. Just wanted to chime in and say that the enthusiastic glow that so many of us feel right after buying a car has continued with this one. My favorite car I have ever owned, and that includes a long string of Audis, BMWs and various Japanese makes. No regrets whatever.

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  Real recalls - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By Echo346 - April 14 - 11:50 am

  After a year and a half this vehicle has had THREE major recalls. One required dropping the entire fuel tank (read nightmares involved with this on VW forums). I will not go into my adventure with this except to say VW service is questionable. Now the DSG transmission (mine is starting get "clunky") just got the latest recall. Be careful when buying a used one. Ergonomics are strange. AUX input in glove box, Bluetooth controls on steering wheel, however, Bluetooth is not an option (dealer will not tell you this unfortunately), cruise control is a switch on turn indicator (should have put it where the worthless phone button is on the steering wheel), paddle shifters are small.

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  perfect - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By britni morgan - March 22 - 10:00 am

  this is the perfect car. everyone who is anyone should own this fast beautiful car. it is perfect for teens. the handling is great thing about this car. you can do like a 180 with out a blink of an eye. no concerns of flipping. that is a german car for you. this car is a 10...without doubt

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  Performance Car - Make Sure Youre Ready - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By V - February 25 - 5:30 am

  Coming 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.

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  Drawbacks Wouldnt Have Changed My Mind - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Jano - February 6 - 12:40 pm

  Letting the clutch slip out into first gear proves to you that the R32 is a torque monger. Accelerating hard out of 1st, revving to 6K, will only take you to roughly 20 mph. Into 2nd gear (revs only drop to 5K) and the car blasts you to 40 mph. A shift to 3rd is necessary to get you to 60 under 6 secs --and theres not much left in REVs before having to shift to fourth and beyond. Cruising 80 @ 3200 Cornering is great. If youre switching from a regular sedan then the R will impress. If youve already got torsion bars and a lowered ride, then youll look to improve the Rs cornering. The hatch fits my road bike without having to remove my rear wheel. The rack fits my longboard

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  2004 Volkswagen R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Maybaby74 - February 5 - 7:06 am

  Wow, after owning a fixed-up, 480 hp 300ZX turbo, Id never thought I would find another car to meet my performance needs! Everything on the R32 is top notch! The power delivery is silky smooth and linear! its not as fast as some of the import turbos, but its more buttoned down, mature, and easy to live with. The handling/AWD is incredible and the tranny is perfect. The interior is very nice and the exterior hints (not screams) about the capabilites of the car. It is extremely stable both at high speeds and around curvy roads...what a car. And, there are only 5,000 in all of US...Ferrari exclusivity! This car is way more fun then the Z I used to own. and oh...did I mention the exhaust note!