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 161 through 170 of 199.00

• 

  Great Package - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Jean - November 4 - 10:46 am

  Although its not the fastest car out there, it does bring lots of pluses together in an elegant package.

• 

  2008 VW R32 - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By jack - October 17 - 10:26 pm

  My wife drives a 2007 bmw 328ix and she loves her car but takes the R32 whenever she gets the chance, for a little more excitement. The complete package is almost perfectly balanced between comfort, performance, safety and can I Dare to say fuel economy. The one thing that stand out among any of the other pocket rockets on the market is the styling. No other car can really compare to the dynamic styling of this car inside and out. It is outside the box and beyond smart. I give it an 11 handling is sweet will keep up with anything on the hairpin road and the some.

• 

  i love this car - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Justin F - October 12 - 2:00 am

  this is an exciting car to drive fast i love the way it handles corners a high speeds

• 

  First 1500 miles - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By Randall - October 6 - 3:53 am

  This car is everything and more than I expected. Great fun to drive, very comfortable, excellent build quality. AWD is awesome and the sound of the engine is intoxicating. Fuel mileage is so-so but improving on every tank. Has risen steadily to about 24 mpg on last tank, mostly interstate driving at 65+ mph. DSG is very nice, smooth almost seamless shifts.

• 

  VW Made a Good One! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Back2dubs - October 3 - 7:40 am

  Over 4 years and 65,000 miles (street and track) the R32 is holding up very well. Only issues encountered were a dead battery at 37,000 and a faulty brake light switch. Interior and exterior quality has been excellent. Very stable & predictable handling. Surprisingly competent on the track considering it is front heavy as well as hefty (AWD helps here). Excellent car for the snow when outfitted with appropriate tires. Not your average Joes car, for sure, but for those who want something different its a great choice. As much fun to drive today as when I first bought it!

• 

  Best Car Ever - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Luca - September 6 - 12:13 am

  The 2004 Volkswagen R32 is the most fun car that I have ever driven. If you ever get a chance to drive or ride in one take advantage of this. It is a real head turner. Its a true sleeper due to its styling, which is just perfect. The interior is far nicer than its competitions.

• 

  Solid - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By CA - June 29 - 8:50 am

  Bought this R32 used with 12k miles. It is everything that I thought it would be. Solid build, handling, acceleration. DSG is surprisingly quick and responsive. 23 MPG mixed so far but am surprised at the amount of revs in top gear. This engine could easily handle a taller gear and would probably get better gas mileage. Unlike others, I think this vehicle is exactly what it was made to be and should be. "FUN" The only thing Im disappointed in is the IPOD adapter. $75 Harmon Kardon add on unit does a far better job.

• 

  ear to ear - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By orb526 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  What can I say? I look forward to every minute behind the wheel. It is the best driving experience for 30k. Oh and did I metion the sound? Who needs a stereo?

• 

  R32 Review - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By williekatt - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I was in the market for a fun to drive sports car in the $30k price range. I was going to trade in my 01 Mustang GT which had plenty of after market go fast parts on it. I still wanted a car that accelerated strong but handled better than the Mustang. I test drove the STI and the Mits. Evo, liked them both, although I thought their interiors were cheap and 4 doors doesn’t look sporty. Then I drove the R32 and feel in love. It doesn’t have the acceleration of the Sti or Evo but makes up for it in build quality, refinement and overall style. After 1000 miles I clocked a 0 to 60 run of 6.4 sec (with my Escort G-Timer) and that was without a hard launch.

• 

  Outstanding car - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By crazknuck - April 19 - 10:00 am

  This car is outstanding, I have been a VW owner since 1996 owning a 1990 GTI 16V, 1999 GTI VR6 and now my R32! After reading about the car I thought it was too good to be true, after buying it I was really impressed. It is quick, nimble, extremely fun to drive, very comfortable even though they are racing seats, extremely well built. Nothing seems out of place. Wheels and tire combo are perfect they hug the road very well.