2008 Volkswagen R32

One car company that always remembers its roots is Volkswagen. They invented the concept of a hot hatchback, and they still have what it takes to stir up the compact competition. We enjoyed a stint with VW’s primo effort, the R32, back in 2004, and now it’s back for another limited run. So, does the new 2008 R32 continue to perform hatchback magic?

Volkswagen has been throwing us the keys to hot hatchbacks like the 2008 R32 for a full quarter of a century, and each time they do, these micro-missiles prove more powerful, more sophisticated, and more fun.

The ‘08 R32 is based on the latest Golf V chassis, sold as the Rabbit in the U.S., which has already earned quite a few accolades from our staff of driving enthusiasts.

And it may take an enthusiast to pick the R32 out of a crowd. The look is similar to a GTi. But the brushed trim, aggressive tri-port lower fascia, specific 18-inch alloys, and twin center exhaust, are all tip offs.

When we last tested an R32 in 2004, it ran on the smaller, lighter Golf IV chassis. The new Golf V version is bigger, with a nearly 3-inch longer 101.5-inch wheelbase.

It also packs more punch. Power is still a 3.2-liter version of VW’s proven VR6 engine, but horsepower has jumped up 10 to 250, while torque remains a solid 236 pound-feet. Or the same as the Audi A3.

It’s routed to VW’s latest 4Motion all-wheel-drive system with an electronic differential lock and through a 6-speed DSG sequential electronic gearbox, which functions in both automatic and manual paddle shift modes.

The R32’s driver also gets electronic assistance from a standard stability control program and Anti-Slip Regulation.

This slightly stronger and more sophisticated drive train must shift an extra 138 pounds of R32, which it does to 60 in 6.2 seconds; and through the quarter-mile in 14.7 seconds at 98 miles-per-hour. That’s about the same as our previous R32 and still nicely quick! Granted, it won’t scare an STI or Evo, but the dash is more rocket sled than catapult.

The VR6 has always been a free-revving power plant, and this latest version is even snappier, and at full throttle you get a wonderfully throaty ear full.

The DSG gearbox shifts sharply, making good use of the engine’s serious mid-range punch.

But while acceleration is swift, handling has always been where the R32 really shines. Even with the added wheelbase, the new R32 clicks into corners with enthusiasm.

There’s a little more front push at mid-corner, but the prodigious all-wheel drive grip and sharp steering mean that there’s no loss of velocity. Indeed, the faster you go, the better it feels.

But when it comes time to slow for the sharper bends, the R32’s big discs and ABS bring it down from 60 in an average of 131 feet. That’s 18-feet longer than its predecessor, though the chassis stays rock solid and straight.

The new R32 displays the same level of high performance in everyday driving. But unlike rough-edged factory hot rods like the STI and Evolution, the experience is a refined ride with excellent noise and vibration control.

Control over fuel economy is also important. The R32 earns Government Fuel Economy Ratings of 18 city/23 highway. We average 22 on premium gas. The R32’s energy impact rating is 17.1 barrels of oil per year. All in all, not bad for any high performance car.

Like the earlier R32, today’s model gets a deluxe interior treatment that leaves no doubt you are driving a sophisticated performance car.

The deep, leather-clad, embossed sport seats, R32 specific shift knob, and metallic interior trim are racy without being boy racer, while the straightforward instrument cluster and optional DVD navigation system, deliver all the driving info you need, and comfort thanks to automatic climate control.

As for driving music, the CD stereo is supplemented by a standard auxiliary jack and optional iPod adapter.

Under all the performance gear this is still a Golf, so there’s plenty of rear seat room for such a tidy car, and a 60/40 split seatback that greatly expands the otherwise small 9.7 cubic feet trunk.

And the price to own one of the only 5,000 R32s available stands at $33,630, with our test car going for $35,430. That may sound pricey but it’s in line with coarser rivals. And that is one term that you could never use with the R32.

The 2008 Volkswagen R32 is the most refined high performance car for the dollar that we know of and a fitting addition to VW’s long line of hot hatchbacks. It’s clearly our favorite fast Volkswagen. At least until the next one.