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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  Big Smiles; Big Scratch for a Hot Hatch - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Masswhole - March 24 - 10:00 am

  This is an Audi TT 3.2 with interior space and a 6-speed tranny at 75% of the cost. I "downgraded" from an Audi A4. Before that, I loved my Jetta GLX, esp. the responsive, peppy motor & tight suspension. The R32 has luxury, more pep, less curb weight, stickier suspension & Haldex AWD--a good compromise between the two cars. Im installing a 22mm rear antisway bar--the back end feels sloppy with high-speed swerving. (Factory tire pressure is too low also.) Im 30 y.o. and the GTI is aimed at the 18-24 y.o. demographic. I now get less road respect (less garage respect too; more door dings) post-A4; people (including cops) see a VW w/o understanding its performance.

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  Worth the Wait - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By jn - March 14 - 1:20 am

  I was set on buying a GTI until i found a dealer that was selling their last 2 R32s for $4K below the list price (including the VW rebate) instead of $4K over like my local VW dealer. I ended up paying $29.3K (without Nav.) which is only about $3-4K more that an optioned up GTI. So far the car has lived up to its billing. The power is more than adequate for in town driving, the handling is great and the exhaust note is pure magic. The gas mileage is even acceptable as long as you keep your foot out of it. It was the Readers Reviews on Edmunds that convinced me to got for it and i have not been disappointed.

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  70,000+ miles and still in love! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By zmoney - February 26 - 12:56 pm

  This is my daily driver and I couldnt have picked a better car. I was looking at an STI or Evo about 3yrs ago, but then I found the R32 at a great price. Youll love it. I get 22/29 city/highway and youll have more than enough get up and go to zip in and out of traffic. The seats are great, but they might be a tight fit for a larger person. Everyone loves the sound of the exhaust of course. The look of this car is great, but at the same time its not a cop magnet which is always a plus. Test drive the 2004 model and youll be hooked! It wont be mine however as shell die with me. :) If you do buy one please take it to the track at least once. Youll thank me later.

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  Alright, just not the best - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By HipHop - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I am a little dissapointed, on the test drive the car seemed great, after putting on 2k miles it is already losing its appeal to me, feels just like a golf, only slightly quicker - Ill most likely sell it and get an EVO - my other deciding factor to dump it is that two of my close friends have EVOs and they absolutely blow the doors off this thing, handling, and acceleration - time for an EVO

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  UltraPhun - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By oedipus - July 21 - 1:30 am

  This car is all about fun. Itll stick a grin on your face as soon as you turn the key and listen to the 3.2L VR6 engine come to life. Forget the GTIs of recent years. This thing means business and VW didnt disappoint. Gone are days of throwing on a GTI badge only to lift the hood and find a underpowered 2.0-liter inline-4 or having to resort to the utilitarian Golf, which, to give it credit, is not billed as a roller coaster ride. The German engineers got together and figured out how to revive the GTI/Golf name, and they called it R32. This car rocks. It handles with aplomb and the engines high-torque output connects anywhere on the powerband. What a thrill!

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  Love every minute of it! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By ThaiChick - June 23 - 8:16 pm

  I just bought this car 2 months ago. Im not into brand new cars, I love to buy pre-owned cars, so, Ive been looking around since March 06 for a 2004 pre-owned vehicle. Nothing drives like the R32. I test drove the Nissan 350Z, Audi TT, BMW 325i, or Lexus IS 330 and none of them gave me exactly what I wanted. When I took my 2001 Jetta VR6 into service I found this R32 not knowing what it was or how special it was at that time. I asked the salesperson for test-drive and that was it! It has the kind of drive I was looking for.

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  Performance Car - Make Sure Youre Ready - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By V - February 25 - 5:30 am

  Coming from an 06 GTI, I am not sure if I should have moved to an R32. It has everything the enthusiasts want - incredible road grip, throaty exhaust, V6 power, and AWD. But, the zip (even with lag) of the GTIs 2.0T was great for me. The premium price for the exclusivity of owning one of 5,000 is a bitter pill to swallow, but the car does everything the manufacturer promises and more. Because of the power and AWD, the car literally sucks gas. I feel like I am driving an SUV when I have a compact car. Mileage has been about 19-20 in mixed driving. My GTI pulled at least 27 mpg.

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  Drawbacks Wouldnt Have Changed My Mind - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Jano - February 6 - 12:40 pm

  Letting the clutch slip out into first gear proves to you that the R32 is a torque monger. Accelerating hard out of 1st, revving to 6K, will only take you to roughly 20 mph. Into 2nd gear (revs only drop to 5K) and the car blasts you to 40 mph. A shift to 3rd is necessary to get you to 60 under 6 secs --and theres not much left in REVs before having to shift to fourth and beyond. Cruising 80 @ 3200 Cornering is great. If youre switching from a regular sedan then the R will impress. If youve already got torsion bars and a lowered ride, then youll look to improve the Rs cornering. The hatch fits my road bike without having to remove my rear wheel. The rack fits my longboard

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  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

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  VW R32 Reviewed by owner - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By ilya - June 5 - 7:16 pm

  Overall very good reliable car, no problems whatsoever. Very fun to drive and difficult to put on cruise control, because of the urge to step on the gas!! I like this car a lot and unfortunately will have to sell it because of a need for 4 doors.