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 51 through 60 of 199.00

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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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  Uber Golf - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By gtiness - February 20 - 2:00 am

  The combination of performance and luxury in a 2-dr hatchback in unique in the US market. An absolute blast to drive with looks that are sure to turn more than a few heads.

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  Good job VW. - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By dads-R32 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Traded my 02 GTI-337 in for the .:R32, what an upgrade. The VR6 engine is smooth, great power. Love the leather interior. If you have the means - get one. My kids love it. Would buy one again.

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  3 mo after driving car - my impressions. - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By z0mb13 - February 3 - 12:29 am

  So I finally jumped overboard and got the car ive always wanted. It put me in the hole but I was able to get it. Perma smile when driving is not uncommon. Much undesired attention from kids. Plenty of HP/TQ as expected. I had an 02 VR and fell in love with the exhaust note, the R32 has not let me down.

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  42K follow up - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By CA - January 28 - 10:50 am

  Follow up from Sep 2008 when I bought it w/ 12k miles. I now have 42k on this car and it remains rock solid. Over time Ive gotten very used to getting the most out of it without killing gas mileage. Its best on long twisty road and takes 20 mph S-turns at 60-70 mph w/o even thinking about it and is so much fun to drive. I get 23 combined and 26 highway MPG but still think it needs a taller 6th gear. Its hard to find a better AWD car. AWD and DSG maintenance is spendy and only had a strut go bad. With all that said I wonder what it would do with an additional 100 hp.

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  R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By jasonS - January 24 - 3:00 am

  This is absolutely the best car I have ever owned. I have previously owned other performance compacts such as the Integra GS-R, Integra Type-R & RSX Type- S, but this car is in its own class. AWD is great for the winter and the near 250hp will sure to keep you awake at the wheel. Drive one and you will understand....

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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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  Exotic racer or grocery getter? Its both - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Peter Doney - December 19 - 6:50 am

  Since 1983, my lifes desire was to own a Renault R5 turbo2. I could never make the leap to owning such a specialized car - one that requires many compromises and probably many days and many dollars at the shop. Well, its 2006 and I now own and drive my dream car everyday. But as in a previous review, this car is all about balance. The functionality of the hatchback and fold down seats makes this my activity vehicle for hauling all my mountain bike and ski gear. My insurance agent thinks Im driving an economy car and that police officer just thinks Im driving my sons fixed up GTI (knock on wood), and yet in my mind, Im driving my all time favorite car - no matter what price.

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  Vdub Supreme - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By tmark - December 16 - 11:06 pm

  This car drives out great; balanced, solid, quiet and well behaved when you desire or sporty and aggressive when you need it. The DSG is a great transmission and after logging 2200 miles I dont miss my manual trans one bit. This is the best sounding car I have ever owned. In fact, I was having my Subaru Spec B serviced when I heard an mkv R32 run through a few down shifts as it entered the dealer; I purchased #989 10 days later. Car has more interior space than most hatches. We have taken two weekend trips with our son including luggage with no problems. Overall, I am very pleased with this car to date. This car really fits my life as a middle aged professional.