Overview & Reviews

The Volkswagen R32 returns for 2008. This VW GTI on steroids packs a 250-horsepower V6, all-wheel drive and a host of luxury features.

• Muscular V6, fantastic automated manual transmission, comfortable and quiet cabin, excellent steering feel, everything except a nav system is standard.

• Hefty curb weight dulls handling on twisty roads, choosing the optional nav system deletes the CD changer, pricey for a compact hatchback.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 45.00

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  Blue 08 R32 - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By JRP - December 14 - 7:23 am

  If slot cars could be full scale this might be it. Steering is right on, just point where you want it to go. Suspension is firm but does not beat you up. Transmission is a blast with the engine being eager all the time. Relaxed when you want it to be, fun when you need it to be. Roomier inside than youd think.

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  Mature fun - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By vincenth - November 23 - 3:40 pm

  After taking three long test drives comparing the new EVO, STI, and R32, I decided to purchase the VW. While both the EVO and STI will out perform the R32, I felt the VW was the best overall blend of performance and comfort.

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  R32 #2 - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By KingfisherSeattle - October 7 - 10:43 pm

  Just picked up my Mk V R32 today! This is my second as I had an Mk IV since new in 04. 20k miles later Im ready for my new car. A lot more refinement and still that great VR6 motor. Worth the extra money over the 2.0T motor for the sound alone. Road trip to PDX tomorrow (with the radar detector).

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  I made a big mistake. - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By alleyoop - August 28 - 12:30 am

  I paid too much for a Over Steroid GTI. Not a bad vehicle but not what I expected for the price. I only have 901 miles on it and it sits in the garage. When I do take it out I pray that someone will steal it or total it out. I cant even give away as a cheap trade in. Basically, I did not do my homework.

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  The Perfect Hatch! - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By Phikes - January 29 - 12:13 am

  Buy this car! The build quality is in Audi territory. The interior is great (steering wheel feels fantastic in hand). The car has grip for days, the body might roll a bit but the AWD goes exactly where you want it. Not to mention one of the best shades of blue ever. And yes it is FAST! The mid range passing power is always right there. I drove both the STI and EVO, they are both faster, but thats the ONLY place they beat the R32. Both the STI and EVO have interior build quality that suggests the occupants were only an after thought.

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  Super Car! - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By STEVE C - September 19 - 10:26 pm

  It took a long time coming, but I finally found a car that was fun to drive with style, luxury and enough speed to keep my heart racing. Audi, BMW, Mercedes have nothing on this car. Saved 15k over BMW and got way better quality car.

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  Total sleeper! - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By Bio Two - September 14 - 12:43 am

  I tested both GTI then the R32 on the same raod and same driving style. If it was not the price tag, it will be a no brianer R32 is the one. I picked the R32 anyway. This car is super fun to drive. After getting used to the car and start pushing it, I was shocked that how much a $33000 car can do! Especially on wet road, this car car pretty much beat any moving object on the road! If you can totally master this car, you can out run most of the higher power cars on the market even with the only 250bhp. I often play with my co-workers BMW 335i, as long as there are some turns, he will has a hard time to catch up. The sweetest feature... Lanch Control!!

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  Engine boggs on accelleration - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By JC - August 25 - 2:46 pm

  Day after I bought the car it started hesitating and the car stall on me in traffic. Took the car to the dealer the next day and they said they couldnt find the problem. After taking the car several times to the dealer they finally found the problem. It took them 13 days to fix it while I was given a rental car. They replaced the "EVAPCANIST".

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  From BMW to R32 and Back - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By crooner12 - April 29 - 12:23 am

  I purchased a 2008 R32 back in January. It was a great little car, had good performance thanks to the AWD, and sounded magnificent with the dual exhaust. Coming from an 06 Z4 3.0i, it was a totally different experience. Not as luxurious and not has sporty handling, but it felt just as fast. Ultimately, I missed the convertible and didnt think the "boy-racer" styling fit my personality, so I traded it in for a BMW 135i convertible.

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  Super special Golf, regular build quality - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By canyondrive - March 7 - 2:50 am

  In the price range of new c300, 328i,G35 and is350, this car is truly for the VW enthusiast who doesnt mind paying a lot. You get a great sounding engine (thank you VW engneeer!), transmission, semi-sleeper styling, more than enough power for non-racers. But this is basically a golf, which first came to EU in 2003. Especially the interior is feeling a bit old already (shame on VWoA for being so slow). This has been my second day with the car, and I already started to hear interior pieces rattle on rough roads. Stereo sounds ok until you crank up the base - then it sound like some economy speakers.