2008 Volkswagen R32 Road Test Ratings

The R32 is a well-balanced and well-tuned performance machine that just happens to be practical and well-built. Its biggest drawback is that the acceleration it generates doesn't match up to its fiercest competitors -- or its own price.

Steering and handling are solid, the brakes are good and the DSG transmission shifts fast and intuitively when on the move. But while the engine is flexible, it isn't the most powerful in the segment. And DSG drivability when creeping in 1st gear and Reverse takes some getting used to. It all adds up to a fun-to-drive car. Only those drivers needing best-in-class thrust and acceleration would disagree.

Ride comfort is better than a lot of other sport compacts, as body motions are not overly firm and damping is good. The cabin remains quiet at speed. The driver gets a good seating position that is fully adjustable, the front and rear seats are comfortable and everyone gets enough space.

For a sport compact, the R32 is very functional and practical. A Golf-derived hatch body provides plenty of cargo space and lots of glass area and an upright seating position for good visibility. The interior control layout is logical, functional and easy to figure out. The exception is the integrated audio and navigation system. The tuning and navigation controls are less than straightforward, and the dedicated iPod port is ruined by terrible iPod control via the radio head unit.

It may look like a Golf, but that classic shape works well with the R32's subtle design features, lowered stance and big wheels and tires. The thing turns heads. Clean, functional and well screwed together describes the interior vibe, and the materials used are a big step above regular VW Golf fare. Use of chrome is restrained and we especially like the engine-turned aluminum trim. Overall, the quaility impression is more reminiscent of a well-appointed Audi than a Volkswagen.