2008 Volkswagen R32 Hatchback

The 2008 R32 is the highest-performance Volkswagen sold in America. Auto buffs have been waiting anxiously for this 3-door hatchback, and only 5,000 will be shipped from Europe for the 2008 model year. Why all the excitement?Because the $32,990 R32 offers great content, from a sweet V6 to an efficient all-wheel-drive system. Even the car's suspension has been left unchanged from the aggressive setup of the European version.

Potent Engine
The R32 has a compact 3.2-liter 250-horsepower V6, compared to the 2.0-liter 200-horsepower 4-cylinder engine of the next hottest Volkswagen - the GTI ($22,220-$27,665). However, there is no startling performance difference between the two cars because the 3,547-pound R32 is 385 pounds heavier than the GTI. The R32's extra weight comes largely from its iron engine block and sophisticated all-wheel-drive system.

Still, the R32 is quicker than the GTI. It manages the 0-60 mph sprint in 5.9 seconds, and finishes the quarter-mile run at 95 mph. And the R32's V6 feels stronger than the turbocharged, 4-cylinder mill in the GTI. The only available transmission is a 6-speed DSG automatic with a lightning quick manual-shift feature. Fuel economy is an estimated 18 mpg in the city and 23 on highways. Premium fuel is required for the best performance.

Body Sharing
The R32 has the Volkswagen Rabbit's functional body, although its two long, heavy doors can be a problem in tight parking spots. The R32 is cosmetically distinguished from a Rabbit or GTI by a brushed aluminum-color grille, side skirts, blue-painted brake calipers and center-mounted exhaust pipes. There also are body-color door handles, bumpers and mirror housings.

The R32 still looks rather plain because it shares its hatchback body with the Rabbit. On the other hand, it's a very functional body that allows good room for four tall adults.

Sporty Interior
A large windshield allows good forward visibility, and the driver gets to grasp a thick-rimmed, leather-wrapped, D-shaped steering wheel. The wheel has audio controls and paddles for manual shifting. The leather-covered front sport bucket seats are especially supportive, and it only takes a little extra effort to enter or leave the roomy rear seat.

Aluminum trim on the dashboard, door panels and console gives the interior a sporty appearance. The main gauges can be read quickly, but the fuel and coolant temperature gauges are tiny. Controls generally are easy to reach, although the audio system can be difficult to operate because the navigation system with its dashboard screen absorbs too many audio functions. Dual front cupholders are positioned to help avoid spills, and rear cupholders are sturdy.

Comfort and convenience equipment includes dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, an AM/FM sound system with 10 speakers, and in-dash 6-disc CD player. There's also a tilt-telescoping steering wheel, intermittent front/rear wipers and power windows, mirrors and door locks. Front and side-curtain airbags are among safety items, along with a tire-pressure-monitoring system and daytime running lights.

The cargo area has a low, wide opening and plenty of room. It can be significantly enlarged by flipping the rear seatbacks forward. The hatch has a convenient indented area to help close it without getting your hands dirty on outside sheet metal.

Taut Package
The R32's "Euro" suspension, with wide 40-series tires on 18-inch alloy wheels, helps provide sharp handling. Compared to the GTI, the sporty suspension has firmer springs and shock valving, and thicker anti-roll bars. It's supple, but occasionally causes a jerky ride and allows serious bumps to reach occupants.

A stability-control system helps keep the car on the road in adverse conditions. All-disc brakes that are larger than those on the GTI provide fast, sure stops - although the brake pedal has a spongy feel. The electro-mechanical power steering has a variable-assist feature and is fast, but rather heavy.

Aimed at serious drivers, the R32 is a definite halo car, and one which should help Volkswagen shift its "economy car" image in America.