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 101 through 110 of 199.00

• 

  VW R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Pathfinder - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought the R32 for my 16 year old son. However, I am really enjoying the car over some much more expensive choices. Performance is good, handling and braking are excellant. I am looking forward to doing some mods to extract a bit more power-probably K&N air filter, and a chip. I own MB and Audi and enjoy the R32 more than a M3 that I just drove. Price is fair for the quality of this German-built car.

• 

  Best all weather car ever - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Dorothy Niss - December 25 - 12:40 pm

  The 2004 Volkswagen R32 is a keeper. WIth Nokian tires it handles superbly in all weather conditions: snow, ice, rain. My R32 has received standing ovations from fellow concert-goers and a great amount of interest from VW fans. Its my all-time favorite car.

• 

  R32 ownership - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By 15973 - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Exhilarting every time I turn the key!

• 

  R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By BikeR32 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  For me, the R32 is all about easy-to- drive performance. Everything about the car - the steering, clutch, gas, gearshift, and brakes - requires only a very light touch. I find myself dipping into the throttle just to hear the engine, and zipping around turns just to feel the car cling to the road. The downside of this is that gas mileage suffers as a result. The brushed aluminum look of the interior and highly bolstered seats make seattime very enjoyable. On the downside, the wheels get dirty very quickly, and the interior is small for 4. Also, the car drones when cruising above 80mph.

• 

  Never too old to have fun - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Doc J - November 8 - 9:56 am

  At 60+ Im probably not the usual R32 driver but its been my daily ride for nearly 6 years. I drive it hard and love it. Reliability has been good other than for major transmission repairs at 35,000 and 65,000 miles along with clutch replacements at the same time. I dont think I drive THAT hard, but maybe I push it harder than the average driver. Ive heard that AWD vehicles a hard on their drive trains because their wheels cant slip to release strain. Other than that issue a wheel bearing at 70,000 and an instrument cluster replacement under warranty have been the only other major repairs. Ive yet to replace the brakes (maybe thats why I have worn out the clutches!)

• 

  A car for grownups - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By LouisvilleSteve - October 15 - 10:40 am

  Just got the R32 and cant wait to drive it every morning. In the past I have owned a 2002 WRX and a 2004 STI. The WRX was a fun zippy car to drive and the STI was a very serious brute that has incredible performance, but my passengers hated it always complaining about how uncomfortable it was. To me the R32 is the perfect blend of the two. This car is a pleasure. I enjoy every moment that I am in it. It is much more comfortable then the older Subarus and still has the performance edge that I require. The DSG transmission is as good as the hype and really makes this a practical and fun to drive car. For me this is the perfect everyday driver

• 

  Why two seater when you can have this!!! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Rocking Ronny - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is a joy to drive, plenty of excelaration,great handling and dynamite looks. And the interior was the real clincher for me. Quality leather all controls well thought out and features you would expect only in a high end car, like BMW, Mercedes or Audi. Very solid body, just shut doors and hear the quality. Only had it for a short period of time but Im more than happy with it.

• 

  Joshs Review - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By moorejosh - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car. Tons of fun.

• 

  3 years ownership - my second favorite - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By ESSDEEKAY - August 27 - 7:33 pm

  Other than a 2003 Porsche, this R32 has been my favorite of the dozen cars (mostly European) I have owned the last 30 years. It is uber-practical and has as much performance as I need. I run it stock, other than the snow tires I switch to in winter months. Really pleased at the high resale value retained by this limited production car. Only "problem" I have experienced is an ocassional false "loose fuel cap" warning when the gas tank runs low. Low maintenance costs (relative to BMW/Porsche/Audi) has been a very pleasant bonus - less than half the amount of my other cars.

• 

  2004 Volkswagen R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By rob - August 19 - 12:33 pm

  The Volkswagen R32 is an excellent vehicle. The only major issues that I have had with it are the lack of a facotory turbo option, the rims are too heavy, and the car needs HIDs.