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 81 through 90 of 199.00

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  Engine hesitance. - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By SBDGE - February 23 - 4:36 pm

  Approx. three weeks after receiving vehicle it started to hesitate periodically. After documenting fuel- ups and problem occurrences I brought it to the dealership. Was told I probably topped it off. I probably did. Not an issue with my four previous GTIs. Dealership replaced a faulty charcoal canister unit and purge valve. Was given a rental. They were excellent. Filled it up today. (Repaired on 4/28/08) Engine malfunction light never went on. Will see what happens this weekend.

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  Best VeeDub to Date - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Infrederick - January 14 - 2:16 pm

  This is my first VW, but I have purchased 7 smaller Audis since 1975. The R32 is everybit the equal of any of my sporting Audis, including the 225 TT quattro. The interior has a very similar feel to the TT. The engine is powerful but a little too turbine-smooth for my taste. Acceleration lags a bit in the lower rpm range - I prefer the 3k rpm kick of Porsche boxer engines. Even in metallic black the R32 gets plenty of attention from bystanders. Only 1% realize that it is a near- exotic vehicle. Others look at it with an expression of "theres something differant about that VW" This car is certainly the highest performance VW ever bolted together. No warranty work needed in 12 months.

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  My Pocket Rocket - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By J. Channell - December 10 - 4:16 pm

  Very cool and at the same time conservative in nature just by its looks, however, press the gas pedal and it bcomes my pocket rocket. Great integration of controls and ease of use while driving.

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  best volkswagen - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Donwalsh - October 27 - 10:00 am

  simply the best car!

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  Flawless blend of luxury and performance - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By gvintheatl - October 16 - 10:00 am

  A $30k Golf thats worth every penny! A month after purchase in ATL I took a road trip to Salt Lake City. The interior creature comforts and overall driveability were superb on the long sedate stretches of I-40. Cruise control kept the MPG in the upper 20s, not bad for averaging 75-85 mph. On the twisting canyon roads outside of Sandy UT the Goodyear Eagle F1s combined with the awesome AWD performance made the car feel as if it were on rails. And of course I had to take it out to the salt flats to see if the max speed reported by Car & Driver (128 mph) was correct. I was able to attain 135 mph before it maxed out at 5400 rpm. Wow, 8k miles in two months and every one has been a blast!

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  R32 means WOW - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Dman777 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased a R32 and I previously owned a Mitsubishi Evolution VIII.The R32 might be slightly slower than the Evo but I have felt that the R32 drives nicer and feels more solid.Overall, I must say that the Evo VIII is way over rated and that the R32 so far is living up to my expectations.

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  .:R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By bram - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. VWs are amazing.

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  from evo to R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By rosie83 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  we had the evo 2003 and traded it in on the R32. it took a little while to get used to the difference between the cars. the evo had the turbo that would jump you from the start, but the R32 has the power behind it to pull you through. the turns are not quite as sharp but it can handle the citys roads alot better. i like the fact that most people pull up beside me and dont know what they are getting into, while that really didnt happen much in the evo because it was a little more flashy. all in all im really happy with the R32. we also have the leather option which the evo did not offer. its smooth, safe, and powerfull in a small package.

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  Awesome - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By ELDorey - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive had BMWs for several years and was turned off by the new 5 so I started looking further afield. I liked the 330xi, but Ive already had that style 3-series. Then I discoverd the R32. It is absolutely fantastic - outperforms the 330xi, handles like its glued to the road and looks appealingly "stealthy". Interior quality equal to (or better than) a BMW, too. I drive it daily over our X5 or Z3. Actually, I look for excuses to drive it - it has reinvigorated me and made me remember why I love cars!

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  Exceeded Expectations - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By BadAzR32 - August 21 - 1:20 pm

  I went into this vehicle with certain expectations about performance, reliability and safety. The performance was answered just by starting the engine. The beautiful deep muscle sound that comes out when the car is first started is amazing. The car can hug the road like a little convertible and all of a sudden take off and easily hit 100 within 2 seconds on the highway. The car is reliable in the sense that unlike my Honda the only thing that ever needed maintenance was the standard oil change. The interior was flawless and unique in its own way. Everyone who has ever been into an R32 was immediately impressed with the workmanship.