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 141 through 150 of 199.00

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  Still, the only car I want to drive - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Nate - February 21 - 12:23 am

  I was so happy to have the chance this car near the end of 2004. I enjoy driving it every time an errand or my work calls me. I enjoy its superior build quality over domestics and Japanese cars. The R32s were well thought out and built for more than economy savings. I cant stand the cheapo Japanese and domestic interiors. Tuning companies are quickly suppling everything an R owner could want. With those options, this car has few limitations. I can only imagine being more happy in a M3. But the M3 isnt my style, nor in my pocketbooks range.

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  My Red Rocket - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Alex - January 29 - 9:20 am

  Ive had my Volkswagen R32 for eight months and will never get rid of it. I really enjoy driving to work and back and find any reason to go driving in it. Get lots of positive comments and surprise a lot of people. It handles great!

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  Soooo Fun. - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Best Car Ever - October 14 - 3:43 pm

  The 2004 Volkswagen R32 is the most exciting car I have ever driven. My dad has a BMW 540i, and I have driven the current BMW M3 and I can still say I like my car better. It corners better, it feels so much more nimble overall. The M3 felt stiff.. even if it can rocket you to 60 in a time that scares the heck out of me. The R32 is a little weak at high speeds, but it is very good around town. The tires are phenominal. The suspension is great. Ive noticed a bit of understeer though. This is a car you can fall in love with.

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  HOT HATCH!! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Smark A Myth - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I got to drive one of these yesterday and, truth be told, the car was sold as soon as I heard the exhaust note. This will be my forth GTI (84,96,01,04) and my third VR6. I had gotten used to the power and wanted something faster for a while, but could not justify spending the extra $$ on a BMW. This car has everything the 330Ci does, plus all- wheel drive and it is $20K less!!

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  German Build Quality! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By GermanRocket - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Simply put, this car is amazing! the acceleration on this car is great, great torque in any location (watch the guy in the wrx try acceleration out of a turn....no power) the exterior of the car is beautiful and you cant beat stock 18" OZ rims, the rubbers rapping the wheels are equally amazing. the interior of the car is built with a fit and finish of a luxury car and then some! the seats are supportive the side bolstering holds you where you should be. The build quality on this car is amazing! shutting the door immediately tells you how solid this car is. and the best part, room for 5. An all around fantastic car

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  R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By demast - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I waited almost two years for this car to be brought to the states and it has not disappointed! This car makes you want to make up excuses to drive! The smile has not left my face since purchasing 2/04!

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  Great track car, right out of the box. - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By R32AutoXer - August 2 - 10:00 am

  This is a very impressive vw and without a doubt the best vw ever. Once we got 1200 miles on her, we raced in a corvette club event(autocross style road course)and beat them all. Engine has hard steady pull to redline,grip is astonishing and the brakes have to be one of the best on the road today. The best part about the car is the sound she makes from her true dual exhaust. Noone knows about the R32,they think its just a golf(insurance companies too).This makes her a true SLEEPER,there are few cars right from the factory that can beat this one,especially on the track. She is scary fast around town and she will assure you of getting many looks and tickets

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  The SIngle Best Car You Never Knew About - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Kyle - July 29 - 1:16 pm

  My current Deep Blue Pearl 2004 R32, is actually my SECOND. In between, I drove a 2005 Audi S4 with a 344hp V-8 under its hood. I missed my 250hp (yes it DID HAVE 250 stock) uber-hatch. What can a person POSSIBLY FIND to complain about with this car, except perhaps the limited rear-seat legroom? Its faster (w simple tuning) than the Audi, has an Audi engine, Audi AWD, will stop faster than 99.9% of ALL CARS, will handle until YOU QUIT and comes with nearly all the luxury features the S4 did ( & some extra), plus its the only VW to be built by Porsche in Slovakia. 5,000 autobahn-intended machines imported at American journalists behest for the U.S. ONLY. FAST, FUN, PRACTICAL... GERMAN.

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  GR8 R32! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Shelberman - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Every outing is reconfirmation of the joy of driving. This is the best VW product Ive driven, and Ive had many including 2 VR6 Corrados.

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Bobby Williams - June 19 - 10:00 am

  This is the most fun in a car I have ever owned. I have owned everything from old big block Chevys to small cars and this is my second VW Golf and I dont think I will ever want another car. The Japanese and American car builders could learn something from the Germans if they would buy one of these cars and drive it. The power, all wheel drive and fun ratio is Awesome!