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The Volkswagen R32 is fast, and heavy.
OUR TAKE: The VW R32's all-wheel-drive system helps makes this the porkiest hatch in recent memory, tipping the scales at close to 400 pounds more than our long-term Mazdaspeed 3.
That's not to say the R32 is slow, because it isn't. It gets off the line well with propulsion from all four tires, and the motor really comes to life over 4000 revs. Handling can feel a bit wallowy, however, but it's nothing a stiffer set of springs couldn't fix (if you don't care about sacrificing some everyday comfort, which itself is very good). Heading into a turn with urgency, the front end washes out at first, but, if you are patient, the back end does come back around. It has nice strong brakes, too.
It certainly is the best and most aggressive-looking Golf. The center-mounted exhaust tips and the tasteful body kit give it a cool, sporty look.
Yet along with this car's heft comes a pretty hefty sticker price, one that eclipses our Mazdaspeed 3 by $9,000. No, the Mazda doesn't have the high-quality interior and awd, but it's just as much fun to drive as this VW, with more power (13 more hp and 44 lb-ft more torque), to boot.
BOTTOM LINE: In reality, the R32's niche is more a combo of pocket-rocket performance and the comfort found in pricier, near-luxury vehicles. For the kind of money you need to pick up an R32, you could drive home in many well-performing cars, Mitsubishi's Evo and Subaru's WRX STI among them. But where those are all boy racer, the R32 affords you understated style and Teutonic solidity and comfort along with the fun-to-drive factor. That sets this car apart.
As-tested price: $35,430
Drivetrain: 3.2-liter V6; awd, six-speed clutchless sequential manual
Output: 250 hp @ 6300 rpm, 236 lb-ft @ 2500-3000 rpm
Curb weight: 3547 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 20/20.0 mpg
Options: DVD navigation with iPod adapter ($1,800)
2008 Volkswagen R32 - AutoWeek
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