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 121 through 130 of 199.00

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  R32 Great Car - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By Javier - April 6 - 11:53 pm

  This car is amazing! Even the DSG has convinced me completely. Of course it is not the same and you need to go through a learning curve, but once cleared, it is amazing! The grip is outstanding, the steering is precise, comfortable, transmits enough info. It feels faster than the official numbers from VW. Love engine sound! I specially enjoy the "stealthiness" that you get with this car, perfect for a business meeting. In addition I do not get people trying to race me every light, but when it happens they really get surprised by the car performance. Cool car.

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  A blast to drive - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Adric - April 2 - 10:00 am

  In looking for a fun car to drive around the city, I drove just about everything out there under $35,000. With the awesome low-end torque, this car is fun taking a corner at 40, not just drag racing or flying down the highway at 100.

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  R32 Rocks! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By h2o2h - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Smooth and fast German engineering. Sport exterior/interior and still looks elegant. Honda crusher : )

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  VW R32 - Just as advertised :-) - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Gianpaolo - March 12 - 10:30 pm

  From the first time I test drove this car out of the dealership I was impressed. Its true, it might not be as fast 0-60 as the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO or the Subaru WRS STi but this car was built to get to 155 MPH safely and fast! For a hardcore VW fanatic, this car beats hands down the competition due to the great refinements in the interior and the agility of the car. I have friends that have the EVO and STi, these cars need to be reved up really high to get the max torque whereas the R32 provides full torque at 3,200 rpm. The V6 engine can be easily upgraded with drop in supercharger / turbo charger kits making it a Porche / Evo / WRX / Ferrari killer.

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  Volkswagen has a winner again... - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Miker - January 13 - 10:00 am

  With this car VW has finally listened to its customers who wanted a performance car. The 3.2 liter engine has been suprisingly good on gas mileage as I am getting 24 mpg.

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  Love it! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Monteballz - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I had waited almost 2 years for this car to come across the "Pond". Now that its here and I have it im amazed evertime i sit behind the wheel! Best car ive ever driven. And ive driven a lot of nice cars! This is the car of a Volkswagen Enthusiasts dreams! Test drove an Subaru STI and it was Cheezy! The .:R32 BLOWS IT AWAY!

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  Thsi car rocks! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By guysR32 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I had my BMW in for service and was checking out the new cars. There sat a Black R32... one test ride later, I was sold. There is nothing to not like, plus Ill probably never see another one in town.

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  R32 Greatest Car Ever - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By seattlefitz - January 7 - 8:20 pm

  You gotta drive this car! I went from a BMW X5 4.6 to an R32. The hatch is great and provides more useable room than a big SUV. THe car is super fast. The car is sticky on the roads. THe car is so fun to drive. THe exterior is beautiful. The interior is racing style. The only down side is the carpeting is that felt type crap. I compared it to the others. It looks way better than the comparisons. It preforms better unless your a cop and need the extra 10 or so HP. This is plenty fast enough to keep the cops busy.

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  Gas Line Problems - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By Chris - December 23 - 11:43 am

  I too love this vehicle. It is sporty, functional, and fairly comfortable. However, as some of you have mentioned, I too have had this gas tank problem. My R32 was idling when it just started dumping multiple gallons of gas everywhere. The tank wasnt full and it came from the underside of the car. The VW people assure me that this problem was unique to my car. However, all the parts are back ordered. The have had my car for almost 2 weeks and said it could be 2-3 weeks more. Sounds like VW needs to admit this design flaw.

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  Just got mine and Im loving it. - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By DeepClue - December 22 - 2:56 pm

  Amazing car. I take my 4-yo daughter to school every day and I was skeptical about the two doors, but I find it actually more comfortable stepping in from the drivers door right in front of her than doing the side fumbling through the rear door in my (now traded in) Jetta.