VW's R32 All-Wheel Drive Hatch, An Unbiased Look
Though Sophisticated, the R32 Needs Horsepower and a Lower Price
Aug 10, 2008
If you can find one you’ll still need to rationalize the $33,600 base price. It’s Volkswagen’s R32, probably the best hatchback VW’s ever produced. It boasts
lots of famed European "feel" along with enormous driver, passenger, and luggage space. Quick and sophisticated, it’s a full time all-wheel drive Rabbit variant the competition will have a hard time catching.
Interior Features
The standard twin leather buckets are comfortable semi-Recaros. The door armrests are rock-hard, making one muse if VW's test drivers had elbows.
Between the seats is a small center console; the tilt/telescope steering wheel is leather-wrapped. The 60/40 split rear bench has generous legroom for two. The cargo compartment with standard security cover is large and nicely
finished. Sadly the spare is a “donut.”
As the Rabbit is produced in Europe you'll find a full compliment of analog gauges. VW has even included cupholders, showing they’ve done additional homework about targeting the North American market. Other standard features include
--Electric speed-sensitive steering
--Power windows, mirrors and locks
--Dual front, side and side curtain airbags
--An Electronic Stabilization Program
--Anti-Slip Regulation
--An Electronic Differential Lock
--Four-wheel power disc antilock brakes
--A tire pressure warning system
--A burglar alarm
--Cruise Control
--Keyfob Entry
Under the Hood
Powering the porky 3,547 pound R32 is a fuel-injected, 3.2 liter
cast-iron V6 with four valves per cylinder. The 250 HP powerplant produces good low-end torque and excels at highway passing ability. Zero to 60 performance was recorded at 6.2 seconds on a Belkin Accelerometer during the week-long test period. The powerplant is smooth and quiet but fuel efficiency on high-test unleaded was dismal at 16 city and 21 highway (EPA 18/23).
The Transmission
The R32 employed a six-speed DSG Tiptronic automatic with “paddles” on the steering wheel which can be used to switch gears manually. The unit worked flawlessly. Note much of the automotive press raves about this feature and rival units other manufacturers employ. Why is a mystery as w-a-y back in the ‘60’s this former drag racer shifted his automatic-equipped street vehicles manually ... with the same efficiency and no media fuss.
Though the R32 uses a full-time all-wheel drive system -VW calls it 4-Motion - remember it's not an off-road unit. It's made for inclement weather only. The fact the VW has no Hi/Lo transfer case and low ground clearance are clear evidence of this.
Ride and Handling
In these parameters the R32 excels. Even over large bumps and dips the vehicle keeps the driver and passengers comfortable. The four-wheel independent suspension maintains stability through sweeping corners. Make no mistake, though, the ride is firm. The turning circle, at 36 feet, is average for the genre.’ Limiting enthusiastic driving are the tires, the test car being shod with all-season radials. Though wide, they're not wide enough; though sticky, they're simply the wrong type for a car with this much potential.
The Sound System, Air Conditioner and Navigation System
This VW used the firm’s Climatronic automatic air conditioner with a dust and pollen filter. It worked well at outside temperatures under 90 degrees. The sound system consisted of an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input jack. As usual with VW’s, it was marginal. The optional for $1,800 GPS Navigation System was extremely difficult to use. Buy a Garmin instead.
The Verdict
Only 5,000 R32’s are being imported. They’re incredibly sophisticated and reasonably quick but the objective performance figures and price will give careful shoppers pause. Vehicles such as the MazdaSpeed 3, the Subaru WRX or the BMW “1” series are hard-to-beat rivals. Despite this owners will know they’ve bought a satisfying vehicle with high levels of all-around performance.
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