2008 Volkswagen R32 Consumer Reviews

The Perfect Hatch!

Written by: Phikes on 11/06/2008

Vehicle

2008 Volkswagen R32 2dr Hatchback AWD (3.2L 6cyl 6AM)

Review

Buy this car! The build quality is in Audi territory. The interior is great (steering wheel feels fantastic in hand). The car has grip for days, the body might roll a bit but the AWD goes exactly where you want it. Not to mention one of the best shades of blue ever. And yes it is FAST! The mid range passing power is always right there. I drove both the STI and EVO, they are both faster, but that's the ONLY place they beat the R32. Both the STI and EVO have interior build quality that suggests the occupants were only an after thought.

Favorite Features

Yes the exhaust note is a good as you keep hearing about! Exclutivity. Good MPG considering 250hp & AWD. DSG is golden.

Suggested Improvements

Minor stuff: Bluetooth. Ipod adapter for non-nav models. Aluminum :R dead plate for left foot. The 3.6l V6 would dominate. ;)

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Fun car!

Written by: 604doc on 11/05/2008

Vehicle

2008 Volkswagen R32 2dr Hatchback AWD (3.2L 6cyl 6AM)

Review

This car wasn't even a consideration for me until a friend told me about it. I fell in love with the car on the test drive. It's comfortable on long drives, and just a hoot zipping around the city. It's hard to drive the car "easy", so I'm not sure of the MPG yet.

Favorite Features

"Under the cops radar" styling, steering wheel shape and feel, exhaust note.

Suggested Improvements

Standard blue tooth, better iPod adapter, larger fuel tank.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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The Ultimate "Grown Up" Pocket Rocket

Written by: Tony on 11/03/2008

Vehicle

2008 Volkswagen R32 2dr Hatchback AWD (3.2L 6cyl 6AM)

Review

I have been wanting this car ever since it hit our shores at the end of 07, however, I didn't want to pay sticker (or more) simply b/c it was a limited edition vehicle. Ended up paying $29K for my new non nav R32. I love the styling, DSG & all wheel drive grip of the Haldex 4motion system. This car really offers the best of the "boy racer" fun, but yet the practicality of a 3 dr hatchback without all the hood scoops and large winged spoilers. The fuel economy is the only real negative; and it's not the 18 mpg in the city that bothers me, its the short cruising range of 225 to 270 mls; the answer would have been a bigger tank. Otherwise no complaints; it's a great car that I would recommend.

Favorite Features

3.2 VR6, DSG transmission (best of both worlds), exterior/interior styling, grip in the corners, all weather capabilities, pick up, incredible sport seats, useful cargo area, GREAT exhaust note

Suggested Improvements

short cruising range; needs a larger gas tank

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Worth the Wait

Written by: jn on 09/07/2008

Vehicle

2008 Volkswagen R32 2dr Hatchback AWD (3.2L 6cyl 6AM)

Review

I was set on buying a GTI until i found a dealer that was selling their last 2 R32s for $4K below the list price (including the VW rebate) instead of $4K over like my local VW dealer. I ended up paying $29.3K (without Nav.) which is only about $3-4K more that an optioned up GTI. So far the car has lived up to its billing. The power is more than adequate for in town driving, the handling is great and the exhaust note is pure magic. The gas mileage is even acceptable as long as you keep your foot out of it. It was the Reader's Reviews on Edmunds that convinced me to got for it and i have not been disappointed.

Favorite Features

semi sleeper looks, comfortable interior, all wheel drive handling, exhaust note, DSG, BiXenon HID Headlights

Suggested Improvements

Bluetooth, Driving/ Fog lights

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Solid

Written by: CA on 09/05/2008

Vehicle

2008 Volkswagen R32 2dr Hatchback AWD (3.2L 6cyl 6AM)

Review

Bought this R32 used with 12k miles. It is everything that I thought it would be. Solid build, handling, acceleration. DSG is surprisingly quick and responsive. 23 MPG mixed so far but am surprised at the amount of revs in top gear. This engine could easily handle a taller gear and would probably get better gas mileage. Unlike others, I think this vehicle is exactly what it was made to be and should be. "FUN" The only thing I'm disappointed in is the IPOD adapter. $75 Harmon Kardon add on unit does a far better job.

Favorite Features

Acceleration, handling, seats, driving position

Suggested Improvements

Taller top gear, improved ipod adapter Move audio jack to center console

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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I made a big mistake.

Written by: alleyoop on 08/21/2008

Vehicle

2008 Volkswagen R32 2dr Hatchback AWD (3.2L 6cyl 6AM)

Review

I paid too much for a Over Steroid GTI. Not a bad vehicle but not what I expected for the price. I only have 901 miles on it and it sits in the garage. When I do take it out I pray that someone will steal it or total it out. I can't even give away as a cheap trade in. Basically, I did not do my homework.

Favorite Features

Interior

Suggested Improvements

Drop the price at least by $3,000.00 and stop having the dealers marked them up because they are limited production(big deal).

4 out 30 people found this review helpful

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Gas Line Problems

Written by: Chris on 07/17/2008

Vehicle

2008 Volkswagen R32 2dr Hatchback AWD (3.2L 6cyl 6AM)

Review

I too love this vehicle. It is sporty, functional, and fairly comfortable. However, as some of you have mentioned, I too have had this gas tank problem. My R32 was idling when it just started dumping multiple gallons of gas everywhere. The tank wasn't full and it came from the underside of the car. The VW people assure me that this problem was unique to my car. However, all the parts are back ordered. The have had my car for almost 2 weeks and said it could be 2-3 weeks more. Sounds like VW needs to admit this design flaw.

Favorite Features

Exhaust note, DSG, 4 wheel drive, turns heads!

Suggested Improvements

Fix fuel tank. Put decent speakers in this $33,000 car. Add the Audi LED lights to it, put the ipod connector in a reasonable place (near power). Don't make customers wait 2 weeks for parts.

2 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Whoa!

Written by: NewnanR32 on 07/08/2008

Vehicle

2008 Volkswagen R32 2dr Hatchback AWD (3.2L 6cyl 6AM)

Review

I have had my R32 for 4 days now. I had previously owned a 1995 Jetta VR6. I knew what to expect with the power and performance. However I had no idea how smooth and precise the DSG was until my First Road Trip - from Detroit to Atlanta (750 miles). I learned that "S" means See Ya later! I was comfortable and enjoy the drive. Unbelievable handling and acceleration! This vehicle is low key and stays under the "Radar" with police. I look forward to adding a Cool Air Intake in the coming weeks to help with gas mileage and possibly more.

Favorite Features

Love the Sounds that Purr and Roar from the Exhaust. The DSG is awesome!!! The Back seats are extremely comfortable. I'm 6'1" and 265 pounds and had no problem during a 200+ mile ride in the rear.

Suggested Improvements

Navigational Direction Symbols on US model, more horsepower and a full size spare tire.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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2008 VW R32

Written by: jack on 06/28/2008

Vehicle

2008 Volkswagen R32 2dr Hatchback AWD (3.2L 6cyl 6AM)

Review

My wife drives a 2007 bmw 328ix and she loves her car but takes the R32 whenever she gets the chance, for a little more excitement. The complete package is almost perfectly balanced between comfort, performance, safety and can I Dare to say fuel economy. The one thing that stand out among any of the other pocket rockets on the market is the styling. No other car can really compare to the dynamic styling of this car inside and out. It is outside the box and beyond smart. I give it an 11 handling is sweet will keep up with anything on the hairpin road and the some.

Favorite Features

The sport mode DSG tranny is by far the most versatile and responsive I have ever tried. Guttural exhaust reminiscent of the old muscle cars non boring interior styling as opposed to a stuffy look

Suggested Improvements

How much is enough horsepower? 300 maybe just right but than how much does fuel economy suffer?

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Engine boggs on accelleration

Written by: JC on 06/23/2008

Vehicle

2008 Volkswagen R32 2dr Hatchback AWD (3.2L 6cyl 6AM)

Review

Day after I bought the car it started hesitating and the car stall on me in traffic. Took the car to the dealer the next day and they said they couldn't find the problem. After taking the car several times to the dealer they finally found the problem. It took them 13 days to fix it while I was given a rental car. They replaced the "EVAPCANIST".

Favorite Features

Build quality, comfort, handling, exhaust sound.

Suggested Improvements

Better reliability, improve fuel economy, speakers, and increase horsepower.

4 out 6 people found this review helpful

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