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 11 through 20 of 199.00

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  I love my 2004 R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By dpod4 - May 12 - 9:18 pm

  I bought my R32 brand new in 2004 after test driving much more expensive cars. Nothing compared. I have owned my car 8 years. I have pampered it (garaged in the winter, park it like it is a Ferrari, etc) and it looks brand new (kudos to VW for the Tornado Red paint holding up like it is showroom condition 8 years later). I have not had one problem with it -- most trouble free car I have owned (compared to more expensive cars I have owned from BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, Audi, Acura). And, more than any car (Lexus SC400 comes in a close second, and Toyota MR2 a distant third), this BY FAR is the most fun car I have owned. Hard to describe, but 8 years later, I am more elated than day bought.

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  vw r32 is cool - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By misskrypto1 - April 21 - 12:50 pm

  If you are looking for a vehicle with comfort and luxury amenities, but you just want a little more exicitement and enough speed to toast most cars on the road, then the R32 is the perfect vehicle! If i wanted to be a racecar driver everyday and try and race every car that pulled of next to me at lights and go to tracks all the time, I would have gone with the subaru or the mitsubishi, but in my opinion those two cars are ugly and have no style inside or out. The R on the otherhand has a little bit of both worlds... style, and speed. AND, there is only a select group of people that own them as opposed to other cars that are just mass produced. :)

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  The Perfect Hatch! - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By Phikes - January 29 - 12:13 am

  Buy this car! The build quality is in Audi territory. The interior is great (steering wheel feels fantastic in hand). The car has grip for days, the body might roll a bit but the AWD goes exactly where you want it. Not to mention one of the best shades of blue ever. And yes it is FAST! The mid range passing power is always right there. I drove both the STI and EVO, they are both faster, but thats the ONLY place they beat the R32. Both the STI and EVO have interior build quality that suggests the occupants were only an after thought.

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  Yet another fine volkswagon - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By dubbtrack - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Once you own one your bound to return to them. This car is the best i have owned. I have already had the 1.8T Jetta which is a fine car but this one is just the best.

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  Sprinter with an Achilles wheel (tire?) - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Stranded in IL - October 31 - 10:06 pm

  I would have been happier with a GTI VR6 – and $8000 in my pocket! My third VW, the R32 seduced me with its exhaust rumble, and impressive fit and finish. The Koenig seats are comfortable but awkward to get into and difficult to fold. Considering the 400 hp Vette gets better mileage, Im disappointed. Worst of all, Ive already ruined two $200 tires by hitting minor highway imperfections! The dimwit who eliminated the spare tire should be fired – or better yet, shot! After spending an extra $1000 for A/S performance tires (and a spare that takes up trunk space), Im still not happy. Looking for potholes gets old. Anybody want a slightly used R32?

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  Why I love my R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By VWHOLIC - October 27 - 5:23 am

  I have had the car for 3 months and love every minute i am in it. Although i live in chicago the car is hybernating for the winter so come spring it will driven like crazy.

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  Super Car! - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By STEVE C - September 19 - 10:26 pm

  It took a long time coming, but I finally found a car that was fun to drive with style, luxury and enough speed to keep my heart racing. Audi, BMW, Mercedes have nothing on this car. Saved 15k over BMW and got way better quality car.

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  Total sleeper! - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By Bio Two - September 14 - 12:43 am

  I tested both GTI then the R32 on the same raod and same driving style. If it was not the price tag, it will be a no brianer R32 is the one. I picked the R32 anyway. This car is super fun to drive. After getting used to the car and start pushing it, I was shocked that how much a $33000 car can do! Especially on wet road, this car car pretty much beat any moving object on the road! If you can totally master this car, you can out run most of the higher power cars on the market even with the only 250bhp. I often play with my co-workers BMW 335i, as long as there are some turns, he will has a hard time to catch up. The sweetest feature... Lanch Control!!

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  R32 Uber Golf - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By mkenn123 - August 29 - 10:00 am

  I have owned many different vehicles over the years from high performance to more sedate models. From my experience with the R32 it is the best balanced car I have ever owned. It takes the curves with authority while providing a firm but not harsh ride. The acceleration under hard throttle is impressive, although there are faster cars if that is what you are looking for. The brakes are nothing short of incredable, if you hit them to hard be ready to head for the windshield. If you are looking for a vehicle that does everything well, while adding the security of all wheel drive, then the R32 is it. Oh, dont forget the wonderfully supportive seats.

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  Engine boggs on accelleration - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By JC - August 25 - 2:46 pm

  Day after I bought the car it started hesitating and the car stall on me in traffic. Took the car to the dealer the next day and they said they couldnt find the problem. After taking the car several times to the dealer they finally found the problem. It took them 13 days to fix it while I was given a rental car. They replaced the "EVAPCANIST".