2008 Volkswagen R32
by Rebecca Antioco - 10/2008
A sporty, all-wheel drive hatchback, the Volkswagen R32 is in a category all its own. It packs more performance than competing compact hatchbacks, but falls short of the heart pounding drive experience you’ll get from the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution or the Subaru WRX STi.
The limited-edition R32 comes in one fully loaded trim level with two available options: DVD navigation system with iPod adapter ($1,800) and all-season tires (no charge). Heated seats, power accessories, dual-zone climate control, xenon headlamps, satellite radio and leather sport seats round out the list of standard features.
While pricier than typical compact hatchbacks, the R32 is far from typical, offering a compelling combination of performance and comfort. The satisfying power and soft rumble from the 250-horsepower V-6 engine make it easy to drive too fast on wide-open roads, yet the refined cabin and road manners render the R32 reasonable as an everyday driver. It is similar in appearance to the GTI, but leaves its sibling in the dust with a zero to 60 time of 6.5 seconds, according to Volkswagen.
In the case of the R32, looks are definitely deceiving. Where most pocket rockets boast hood scoops and high spoilers, air intakes and flashy exhaust pipes, the R32 looks like your run-of-the-mill hatch, with rounded, sporty yet conservative styling. It’s hip enough to brandish the VW badge, but understated enough to surprise all those drivers it leaves in its dust.
The standard transmission is a six-speed dual-clutch sequential automanual gearbox (DSG for short) with Tiptronic® manual shift mode. Left to its own devices, the automatic shifts seamlessly, but those who desire a little more control will be satisfied with the quick shift response from the steering-wheel mounted paddles in manual mode. The R32 comes equipped with VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.
The drive quality is the perfect combination of performance and comfort. Sure, the WRX or Evo will easily outrun the R32 in a street race, but in freeway driving, passing is effortless, cruising a blast and road noise minimal. The R32 handles corners with ease, with little body roll and responsive steering.
Inside, the R32 is typical Volkswagen. That is to say, fit and finish are excellent, utilizing high-quality materials, telltale orange-red instrument-panel lighting and featuring intuitive, easy-to-use controls. The sport seats are supportive and hold you tight in your seat, but not uncomfortably so. The rear seats flip down to yield 43 cubic feet of cargo space, and when in their natural configuration, seat two adults in relative comfort, if only for short jaunts.
Safetywise, the R32 features anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control and front, side and side-curtain airbags. It has not been crash-tested by either the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
With only 5000 slated to reach U.S. dealerships, only a lucky few will have the opportunity to drive the R32. But given its odd position as a higher-priced, yet not quite high-performance sub-compact, that may be enough to satisfy demand.
