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:
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UltraPhun - 2004 Volkswagen R32
By oedipus - July 21 - 1:30 amThis 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 pmI 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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R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
By vdubb6 - June 2 - 2:00 amNo complaints. Eighth new VW, car is everything I had hoped for. 4-motion and engine are great. 6-speed seems to be very close ratio (in 1st thru 4th) and is a delight with a nice light clutch. Love the interior. Exhaust note is enhanced by removing vacuum line which controls a diverter valve byt the rear muffler, awesome!! Breaks are excellant, suspension is just right for street use.
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Only 5,000 Will Be Made!! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
By .:R32Voiture - June 2 - 2:00 amI love this car!!
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Great Car - 2004 Volkswagen R32
By mattieo96 - May 14 - 2:43 amThe 2004 Volkswagen R32 is a great car to drive and its built very well. You feel safe in it and you feel like it will be there for a while. I would recomend this car to anyone.
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Worth the extra cash - 2008 Volkswagen R32
By scotts968 - April 14 - 9:23 amGreat car, lots of power and the all wheel drive is very tight. Much better than my Porsche. Its worth the extra cash and has a great resale value.
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Poor mans - 2004 Volkswagen R32
By JeremyD - April 10 - 10:00 amThis car is quite the little shocker. A thirty thousand dollar hatch that justifies the price with both performance and creature comforts.
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best car ever! !! ! ! ! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
By johnny rocket jr. - April 10 - 10:00 amman im go estatic that we got this little german automobile its look like a pitbull
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Believe the tire warning - 2004 Volkswagen R32
By The Fat Kid - April 1 - 7:50 amPredictable, fast, fun. Ive been pulled over three or four times and cops alway let me go, this car does not shout out "give me a ticket " but yet it will blow the doors off alot of the competitons striaght out of the wrapper. Oh yeah, If you didnt read the warning that came with tires, do it. these thing will not even track striaght if the forecast calls for snow!
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Good things come in Small packages - 2004 Volkswagen R32
By Falcone - March 8 - 2:00 amThe Brand New Volkswagen Golf R32 is a quick and fun car to drive. More power then its little brother the GTI. The R32 is a 3.2 VR6 with 240hp, All-wheel drive german monster.
