Article Comments - 2008 VW R32 First Drive and Follow-Up Test

121 messages, Last post on Aug 19, 2009 at 3:27 AM

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What is this discussion about? Volkswagen R32, Hatchback

First Drive: 2008 Volkswagen R32 - You need to really like German hatchbacks to appreciate the R32's combination of performance and upscale comfort. If you don't, you won't. (more)

Follow-Up Test: 2008 Volkswagen R32 - If pinpoint refinement is your overriding priority in hot-hatch selection, the 2008 VW R32 is the obvious choice. But some will find it too thoroughly baked. (more)

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#59 of 121 Re: We just received our first new R32 yesterday. [smyle12] by eldaino Aug 20, 2007 (9:47 am)
Replying to: smyle12 (Aug 19, 2007 5:15 pm) but I can't say I've driven the MKV yet. so after all those posts, this is all you have to say? you made it seem like you had SO much experience with the car, and that the comparisons you were making were valid! if you inspect the numbers closer, the lighter, more fuel economic MkIV IS the faster car, and it just looks more luxurious inside, especially with those awesome indigo and red guages. again, NO one has ever said its faster. but given the fact that is ever so slightly slower than the mkIV, given its weight disadvantage, i'd say thats not too shabby. More economical mkIV? buddy, its a vw first of all, not exactly the poster child for economical cars, and its a speciality limited edition vehicle. being economical has NOTHING to do with it...but if you do want to get nitty gritty, the mkIV r32 is rated at 17/24 mpg whereas the newer, heavier, more powerful (but not faster) r32 is rated at 18/23. it does better in the city and slightly worse on the highway. its a total wash. and it just looks more luxurious inside it looks cool, sporty, and very nice, but it just does not look as luxurious. especially when you are basing yourself on the guages; event the rabbit gets the blue and red ones. i like the fact that they distinguished it on the mkv r32 from the rest of the line up. most of your hate for this car is total opinion and hardly 'lame'. it looks almost exactly like a 2004 Honda Civic Si hatchback from the side. It's almost uncanny. meh, i really don't see the resemblence outside of the fact that they are both hatchbacks. imo, the mkV is has nicer proportions, the civic only really looked great with the hfp lip kit and the 17's alloys. if there is a resemblence, i would hardly call it 'uncanny'.
#60 of 121 I received mine last week. by golfmd Aug 21, 2007 (10:48 am)
Tornado red with all season tires. I don't understand smyle12's hate for this car. It's got a very solid, smooth feel to it for highway driving that won't wear you out on long trips. When I want to rip it, however, it's fully capable and the sport mode is really fun. The paddle shifters are OK, but I do prefer a manual (needed auto for the wife). The options on the car are virtually all encompassing. I love the steering wheel more than on my 911, and that's really saying something. It's a great all around performing car for all season driving.
#61 of 121 Re: Read the reviews [sonic0075] by dmikes Sep 01, 2007 (5:55 pm)
Replying to: sonic0075 (Jul 04, 2007 10:18 pm) It's obvious that YOU will be happier with your stick and eldaino will be happier with his DSG. Either way, the fact is that the DSG is a faster shifting transmission, faster than any human can shift a manual. The DSG even blips the throttle, flawlessly, for downshifts. As for not holding a gear, try using the DSG in "manual" mode. Yes, you CAN shift it out of "auto" mode and it will hold the gear you choose. I've done it. Sorry, DSG is the wave of the future. I've been driving for almost 45 years and I LOVE a stick, but... if you are looking for performance, choose what F-1 drivers use... paddle shifted, auto-clutch transmissions. Plain and simple.
#62 of 121 Passat 4Motion Versus R32 by forestercurt Sep 04, 2007 (6:03 pm)
I have a unique view. I own a 2006 VW Passat 3.6 4 Motion. My car is rated 18/26, its a base model sticker was 32.5, paid 31.5 when it first came out early 2006. I like the idea of the r32 but price is just too high, they also didnt put the 280HP 3.6 in this car because the DSG could not handle the HP, thats the rumor anyways, this KILLS the aftermarket aspect of this car, i.e no turbos on this bad boy, unless the DSG can be beefed up. The original R32 can be found on youtube with turbo power exceeding 580HP at the wheels! My only interest in the r32 is IF I could boost the power to spank the ricers. Otherwise I think my Passat can hang with the r32 0-60 1/4 mile and I get much better fuel economy, I average over 32 on the highway. Of course the R32 is loaded, my car is not, no leather, ect but I really cant get motivated to pay 34k for a Golf. VW is raising the prices of the Passats on the high end quite abit, almost 38k for a 4 motion? I am sorry but in that range I would be looking at a 328IX or a G35X, just too much money, I felt the passat even stripped at 31.5 out the door was too much but the 3.6 is a gem, you think the 3.2 sounds good, the 3.6 sounds better is FSI and makes 30 more HP. VW if your listening, R36, 300HP, 34K, not R32 250HP, 34K. Replies to this message: eldaino (Sep 05, 2007 8:26 am) kurtamaxxxguy (Sep 05, 2007 5:46 pm) scoobasteve (Sep 27, 2007 8:33 am)
#63 of 121 Re: Passat 4Motion Versus R32 [forestercurt] by eldaino Sep 05, 2007 (8:26 am)
Replying to: forestercurt (Sep 04, 2007 6:03 pm) there are plenty of tuning companies that can beef up the dsg along with the turbo kit they'll slap on your car. however.... if THIS: My only interest in the r32 is IF I could boost the power to spank the ricers is your only interest i would look elsewhere. Any car can become 'riced' regardless from where its from. There are many a 'riced' out vw out there, trust me. You should enjoy the car for what it is, not just because you want to race a fart can equipped import.
#64 of 121 Re: Passat 4Motion Versus R32 [forestercurt] by kurtamaxxxguy Sep 05, 2007 (5:46 pm)
Replying to: forestercurt (Sep 04, 2007 6:03 pm) Yes, I remember the current VW DSG could not handle more than about 270 HP (and related torque) without severely degrading its lifespan. Auto engineers tend to be conservative, but there are real physical limits for any part. As for the Youtubed 580 HP R32's - how much of the vehicle is stock? What happens to the drive shafts should you drop a gear and floor the engine? Or if under full power a drive wheel goes into full slip and abruptly reloads again? Just how long can the car operate at maximum horsepower before the engine blows up? Car and Driver once experimented with an EVO taken "to the edge". Their tuned car was only a little faster than stock, but routinely blew up its motor, drive shafts, or transmission depending on what part was stressed. Personally, I'd like my car to keep on performing rather than becoming a basket case.
#65 of 121 I received mine 4weeks and 1200 miles ago by mikec16 Sep 22, 2007 (2:08 pm)
My brother cites several cars that are either faster, or cheaper, or both that I could have purchased. I'm 65, live in LA and don't race on the streets. The DSG trans in great in urban areas. The car feel like its on rails in the twisties. I've had cars that cost much more than the R-32, but they didn't make me smile. I learned a long time ago that's important.
#66 of 121 Re: Passat 4Motion Versus R32 [forestercurt] by scoobasteve Sep 27, 2007 (8:33 am)
Replying to: forestercurt (Sep 04, 2007 6:03 pm) I have to agree with this guy. There is a blue R32 with nav at the local dealership. It's beautiful, there isn't enough of a difference between the R32 and GTI to justify the price of it especially when you take into account that you can put a $600 chip into the 2.0T it will give the car pretty much the same horsepower of the R32 for many thousands less and get it with the 6 speed manual, the only downside would be the AWD. The R32 with the 3.6 engine and 300HP and a choice of DSG or manual at 34K would make this car amazing and a true competitor to the EVO and STI. For now, I'll just stick with my MazdaSpeed 3
#67 of 121 New R32 not as pronounced exhaust note as the old R32 by drjlag Sep 28, 2007 (8:39 am)
R32 lovers and haters out there: After owning and driving the new R for just over a month now with about 1000 miles on the odo, I have to take back my comment that the exhaust note louder than the old one. My '04 R32 has a much louder exhaust (possibly because it older and "broken-in" more...?) upon start-up and just driving around. I guess I didn't notice it at first, but now it's obvious. The xenons are friggin amazing, by the way. I wish I had those on my old R, but the wife gets the new one....because I'm so nice. I also bought some detail stuff from Griot's Garage online. This stuff is great and makes washing/waxing/cleaning the cars so easy, it's down right fun. It's great to have a first generation R32 parked right next the second generation R32 all cleaned and detailed in my garage. They both look brand new. I had a neighbor come up my drive way and tell me they both looked great. He thought they were both brand new, but I told in the blue one was almost 4 years old, he couldn't believe it. The '04 R32 has about 47000 miles on it and I put 30000 miles on in one year driving to work. Now I drive 8 a day to work. I kinda miss driving her so much, on the highway and stuff, but I don't miss buying gas (about 3 tanks a week) and the fact that I will wear out the 4 year warranty by year not mileage and the 5 year warranty by year as well. My battery died during the summer and they replaced it free of charge. COOL!! Next up, a Porsche. I've been waiting a while for one. I like the Cayman S, but it doesn't have the power I'm looking for. I'd like the 3.6 L boxer in the Cayman S, but currently, they have the 3.4 L. I also like the GT3. But I have about 2 years or so to decide...and that's plenty of time. Oh, by the way. I will never get rid of my R32's. They are keepers for sure. Take it easy and enjoy your rides, whatever they are! Cheers, Jason
#68 of 121 R32's are Great by schizasjr Oct 06, 2007 (9:56 am)
I own a '04 r32 a really enjoy it. The only question is if its worth getting rid of any buying an '08. Does anyone have an opinion? Also, anyone with an 04 r32 experience excessive squeeking and creaking from the front seats and emergency brake? Replies to this message: drjlag (Oct 09, 2007 10:24 am)