Ever since we handed over the keys to the WR Mica Blue 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI back in February, we’ve been itching to get behind the wheel of two of its main competitors: the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X MR and the Volkswagen R32.
Recently, the latter showed up at our doorstep in shade of red that proved to be very attractive to surrounding drivers (not to mention those in sport compacts) with an exhaust note throaty enough to make any automotive enthusiast green with envy.
Following a popular run in 2004, the R32 returns for its 2008 encore sporting all-new looks and Volkswagen’s trick, fun-to-drive six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Available only as a two-door hatchback, the 2008 Volkswagen R32 will be limited to just 5,000 units and a very short list of optional add-ons. The car’s namesake comes from the Racing 3.2-liter engine mounted under the hood.
Comparing the Evo, STI and R32 to their base economy car counterparts, it’s easy to see that the R32 has very subtle exterior modifications separating it from the Rabbit. In no way does that mean the R32 is any less imposing at traffic lights.
From the front, the R32 varies from the lesser Rabbit and GTI using a deeper front fascia with large air inlets and highlighted by a large brushed aluminum grille and chrome “R32” badge. The Bi-Xenon headlamps use a black background to provide a menacing glare, while the lowered stance, 18-inch wheels and dual chrome exhaust outlets centered in the rear fascia ensure that nobody will mistake it for the Rabbit. Four exclusive exterior colors further distinguish the R32 with ours coming in Tornado Red.
When discussing performance cars, or even German performance cars for that matter, most people usually don’t think about Volkswagen vehicles. The 2008 R32 should change that.
Performance is the R32’s forte and the 2008 model doesn’t disappoint. While the Evo and STI sport four-bangers on turbo-spooled steroids, VW opted to give its jackRabbit the same 3.2-liter VR6 as the Audi TT and Porsche Cayenne putting out 250-horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. On paper, the lack of turbo is apparent giving up horsepower and torque to both of the above mentioned sport compacts. Fortunately, the VR6 is capable of some high revs with peak horsepower coming at 6,300 rpm, without the turbo lag normally associated with the performance-enhancing exhaust turbine.
Some sports car enthusiasts may balk at VW for the lack of a manual transmission in the R32, but we quickly found out that this transmission allows for just as much of an ear-to-ear grin upon acceleration as the STI. The six-speed automatic Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG®) provides faster and more efficient shifting by preselecting the next gear without the loss of rpm or speed – essentially combining the best aspects of manual and automatic transmissions into one unit. Increasing the fun in the R32, the driver can choose from either a sport mode or Tiptronic® mode. Tiptronic® allows the driver to manually upshift or downshift using the paddles mounted on the back of the steering wheel (or the gear selector), while the sport mode is fully automatic and holds each gear longer helping to increase rpm and acceleration.
Performance for the 3,547-pound R32 was pretty close to our expectations, but not really where it needed to be. Our best 0-60 mph time was in Tiptronic® mode at 5.9 seconds - more than a second faster than regular automatic mode, but still a half second slower than the STI we tested.
Improving the R32’s handling and cornering capabilities are sport-tuned suspension and brakes in addition to VW’s 4Motion™ All-Wheel Drive system that can deliver up to 100 percent of the engine’s torque to the rear tires, when necessary. Highlighting the performance brake system are the blue-painted brake calipers, exclusive to the R32, that grab the four-wheel, vented disc brakes. Helping to keep the R32 safe in the corners are advanced Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) and Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD). For a more enhanced driving experience on the track, the ESP can easily be switched off.
Inside, the R32 basically shares the interior with the latest GTI with the main difference being the front sport headrests and alloy foot pedals featuring “R” logos and the brushed-chrome dash inserts. While the dash inserts seemed to be inspired from late-1970s Pontiac Firebirds and were our only complaint about the interior, we simply loved the three-spoke, leather-wrapped sport steering wheel. The steering wheel’s squared-off bottom made the R32 feel similar to a Le Mans-style racecar and housed stereo and multifunction controls, as well as the Tiptronic® paddles on the back.
Filling the 14.5 gallon fuel tank with premium gas may sting a little these days, but the R32 gets respectable fuel economy attaining 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
The 2008 R32 comes with a base MSRP of $32,990 (a base Rabbit goes for $15,600), but with such limited production planned, dealerships will probably tack on a couple thousand dollars worth of “dealer fees.” Our test model was equipped with the only option available on the R32, a DVD Navigation system that features a built-in iPod adapter under the center armrest, raising the total price to $35,430 (including the $640 destination charge). While this may seem a bit pricey for a subcompact, the R32 is not your average subcompact, and VW should have no problem finding homes for the 5,000 R32s it will sell in the U.S.
2008 Volkswagen R32 Pictures and Wallpapers
Review written by: Jeffrey N. Ross
All photos copyright Jeffrey N. Ross/Autotropolis.com © 2008