The folks at Volkswagen can be a relatively odd bunch, in a good way. They have always appeared to take great satisfaction in taking a chance by putting power where one might not expect it - or might love to see it. Meet the 2008 Volkswagen R32, the most recent concoction that further feeds the ever-growing masses of VW enthusiasts.
I have some great things to say about a really little car with extraordinary power, but before all the kudos start to fly, how about a little reality check (I hate those too) before we head off into fun-to-drive performance-land.
The R32 is a VW GTi (amazing fun in its own right) with a voracious 3.2-liter V6 under the hood. Two big numbers will attract and then possibly deflect buyers: the first, the 250 horsepower being put out by the V-6 powerplant is like honey for horsepower-hungry bears; the second number, a hefty $32,990 base price, will sting some of those bears' noses and make them settle for the GTi. In my book, that's still like settling for a three-run homer when you only needed a two-run homer to win.
The R32 is a beautifully crafted hatchback that is offered as a two-door with one bulging trim level that thankfully includes everything you might want on this little rocket. Featuring exterior cues such as the distinctly sporty aluminum grille, 18-inch alloy rims, dual exhaust, a huge power sunroof and xenon headlights, the R32 looks fast, but remains refined.
Inside the R32, there is no let down on sophistication or fun. My tester included the standard leather upholstery with heated front, power seats with dual-zone automatic climate control and a fantastic-sounding audio system, featuring satellite radio. A word of warning, my tester had the optional Navigation package ($1,800), which worked fine, but it replaces the standard six-disc changer, which with this firecracker I'd prefer to have. I think it might just be more appealing to have fun going wherever, than to know wherever I'm going.
The cabin is an extension of the highly crafted attention to detail visible on the exterior. One will appreciate the good sightlines and visibility of gauges and controls from the driver's seat. As you might expect, quality materials and tight fit and finish are prevalent. I really enjoyed the sculpted steering wheel with paddle shifters.
This is a sporty design, so interior room is tight in the front and back, but never uncomfortable. In the folded down position, the rear seat offers the R32 a generous 43 cubic-feet of hauling space.
Under the hood is a 3.2-liter V-6 (250 horsepower) delivering a smile-ensuring 236 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a dual-clutch sequential auto-manual gearbox ("DSG") that drives VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, this is a crisp-shifting fun combo that ensures all-year weather capabilities. While I didn't officially time it, VW says 0-60 for the R32 comes in 6.5 seconds. I believe it. Fuel economy is 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
Overall, the R32 is not light (3,500 pounds) but this really aids in the handling of the car. While the beefy horsepower pushes the hefty weight ahead, it is the weight that really sets the tires to pavement and delivers a gripped feeling that encouraged me to push the R32 a little harder in turns and through maneuvers.
I thought the highway flight was comfortable and smooth. This car is meant to be pushed, to be turned hard and to be stomped on for old-fashioned exhilaration to take over.
I like the R32's fun factor, albeit somewhat pricey ($35,430 for the tester), but I love the uniqueness of the hatchback combo with the V-6 powerplant. The driving experience is fun while remaining refined and polite in manners. |
