2008 Volkswagen R32
in Affordable Performance Cars
Based on analysis of 32 R32 reviews and test drives.
Volkswagen R32 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Volkswagen R32 ranks 2 out of 3 Affordable Performance Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 32 published reviews and test drives of the Volkswagen R32, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2008 Volkswagen R32 ranks in the middle of its class for its pleasing exterior design and performance dynamics. Many critics, however, complain about the lack of a true manual transmission and question its overall value.
The performance-oriented R32 is available in one trim and only in limited quantity. "Only about 5,000 R32's will be coming to the United States," explains the Boston Globe. "The lucky drivers who get them will enjoy an incredible blend of power, traction and - of course -- snarl." Indeed, test drivers find the R32 to be a competent performance tuner. Still, many complain that when compared to the Volkswagen GTI, it's hard to justify its premium price tag.
- "Here we have one of those great paradoxes of the motoring world. The R32 is essentially an improved GTI. The GTI is a great car, but the R32 -- even though it does everything better -- isn't. Between the lack of a manual transmission and the lack of visual differentiation from other Volkswagens, I don't see how VW can justify the R32's price. I'm sure they'll have no problem selling all 5,000 cars -- but if this were a regular-production model, I bet they wouldn't be able to sell too many more than that." -- About.com
- "Volkswagen's GTI is a blast to drive and, with an MSRP of $22,730, a performance car bargain to boot. GTI's formula is simple: take a small, sensible car and mix in enough sportiness to make you forget that it's sensible. The R32 ($32,990) takes that formula one well-sorted step further. With a 10-large price gap between GTI and R32, the former is the obvious, bang-for-the-buck choice." -- AutoMedia.co
R32 Performance - 8.2 (Very Good)
Test drivers are impressed with the all-wheel drive R32's handling dynamics, but complain that there's no true manual transmission made available. "What I can tell you is this: It's an Atari Car. Like playing a good old-fashioned video game, you keep the steering wheel pointed down the track, keep your foot on the floor, and you'll haul incredible amounts of ass with not much effort -- or feedback," writes Automobile Magazine. The R32's performance attributes rank in the middle of its class. Continue with our full R32 Performance Review. continue
R32 Exterior - 8.5 (Very Good)
Though some disagree, most auto writers believe that the R32 looks distinct and aggressive. "This car is not a box," writes Boston Globe. "Think of it as a flying wedge, with snake-eye headlights, a looming faux aluminum grille, slicing black air intakes at the lower fascia, and a side profile that starts low, moves upward, and ends abruptly at a flat back hatch." The R32 ranks near the top of its class for its exterior design. Continue with our full R32 Exterior Review or check out the R32 Photo Gallery to see it for yourself. continue
R32 Interior - 7.9 (Good)
Critics find the R32's interior cabin to be practical, but not much different than its brand siblings. "Sure, the R32 gets a few dress-up touches like a flat-bottomed steering wheel (oops, the GTI has that too), 'R' logo foot pedals, patterned metal trim, and slightly different gauges," comments About.com. "But the plastic of which the dash and interior panels are made is no better than what you get in a $16k Rabbit." Still, the R32 ranks near the top of its class in the category of interior. Continue with our full R32 Interior Review or check out the photo gallery. continue
R32 Safety - NA
The R32 has not yet been crash tested by the federal government or insurance industry. Continue with our full R32 Safety Review. continue
R32 Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Volkswagen R32 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Volkswagen covers every 2008 R32 with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. Continue with our full R32 Reliability Review. continue
