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 21 through 30 of 199.00

• 

  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.

• 

  VW still needs to go to finishing school - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Snarly VW - June 5 - 7:30 pm

  When I bought the car used with 25K miles, I checked the service history with my VW dealer and found out that it already had a replaced alternator, water pump, and one other component they couldnt determine. I started having rear drive problems after I bought it. Found out the Haldex unit was toast and was replaced under warranty. Although handling was excellent, the car was overweight and the AWD didnt fully compensate. Interior had the same groans and moans as my previous 03 Anniverary Edition GTI. The Ann. Edition was a better value for the money. Overall, the R32 provides a rewarding experience, but the premium is high, and reliability is a hit and miss proposition.

• 

  To Keep or Not to Keep! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Sean - May 2 - 9:53 pm

  I love this car! Something I havent said much over the 20 years since I first got my license. I have had 60 plus vehicles in that 20 years and this one stands next to my Stage 3 Roush Mustang and 69 Camaro (My first Car) in the all time, this cars a keeper ranking. The R32 does everything you ask of it and so much more. It has an interior that rivals cars costing $100,000 plus, the steering wheel seems to have been taken directly from an OMP or Sparco catalog and the exhaust note is usually reserved for Ferrari 360s and the like! Having said all that, the only thing this car lacks is a proper AWD system. The Haldex just doesnt cut it. Its not bad but true quatro would have been better!

• 

  Great Performer;Construction needs help - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Andrew Brader - May 14 - 2:53 pm

  Absolutely love the car. Small fit and finish items are not quite on par with the care of in designing the rest of the vehicle. E-brake button fell off, Cover for seat mechanism fell off. Lever for moving seat forward unhinged, but surprisingly went back in place with minor ease. I consider all of this minor as the car is still under warranty and this items are non-mechanical. All of the special options for the car work like a dream. Heated seats, heated mirrors, climate control, 4Motion, self-dimming rear-view mirror has all been used extensively and no failures noted to date. This is a powerful car and is dangerous to the unexperienced driver.

• 

  First few weeks with the 08 R32 - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By Mark L - April 23 - 1:56 am

  First off, I am a 43 year old fun car junkie with a family. The Corvette has to wait till the kids leave. This is one cool car in the meantime. Looks different, lots of fun to drive. Not as fast as an EVO or STI, but so much more upscale and solid, still plenty fast enough though. My first AWD car, I have had both FWD and RWD, dont like FWD, like RWD, and now I also really like AWD. I have always owned a standard manual transmission so the DSG was an experiment, very very cool, I may never go back. Extremely linear power delivery, sounds cool while doing it to. Only have a few tanks on it so far, gas mileage is about 19 in mixed driving and no abuse since its still not broken in.

• 

  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.

• 

  No problems at 47000 miles - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By jcelsa - April 19 - 12:00 pm

  Handles well in all weather. It took a while to find a spare that still only fits the rear. I pump the tires to 38 and have had no bubbles so far. Leans more than a BMW xi in turns, otherwise, just as fast. I fixed the rain sensor wiper problem with rain x on the sensor.