VW 2008 R32
what are the best mods for the R32 bang for buck?
981 views
2008 Volkswagen R32 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review
Big news from the 2007 Chicago Auto Show is the return of the Volkswagen R32 for 2008, a racing-inspired version of the Golf hatchback, similar in looks to the GTI, but with more muscle, lower ride height, and a dash of luxury. Though it's been available in Europe for two years, only 5,000 R32s will be sold in the U.S., and VW has set up a site for pre-orders at www.5000r32.com.
Under its hood, the 2008 R32 packs a 3.2-liter, 250-hp V6 engine with 236 lb-ft of torque. Combined with the DSG transmission, this gets rid of the turbo-lag issues in the GTI and helps propel the sports car from 0 to 60 in just over 6 seconds. The R32 will also feature the 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, lending nearly 75% torque to the rear wheels. While it's no competition for true rally-oriented cars, it will be the fastest Golf on the market.
On the outside, a roof and front spoiler enhance performance and add some cool factor. Dual chrome exhausts, Xenon headlights, and 18-inch alloy wheels carry out the sporting image. Bumpers and moldings will all be body-colored. While it's aimed at driving enthusiasts, it also doesn't forget to pamper those looking for comfort and convenience as they're speeding down the highway. All 2008 R32s will come standard with low-slung leather sport seats, rain-sensing wipers, power features, cruise control, heated seats, auto-dimming mirrors, a security system, aluminum trim, and a 10-speaker audio system. The announcement at the Chicago Auto Show opened up the pre-order process, and with only 5,000 available, the 2008 R32 should prove to be a highly sought after car.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2008 Volkswagen R32
Write a reviewUser rating:
by ronald d
Feb 27, 2024
This car has great features including rain sensing wipers. You buy this car for the sound the exhaust makes. Its not the fastest but is a lot of fun to drive. This is a great price for an R32. The only thing missing from this car is a responsive seller. Its really close to a GTI but the R32 has all wheel drive and this model year only came in an automatic. Feb 27, 2024
by Christopher E
Nov 11, 2022
If you’re looking at an R32, have no doubt, it’s worth every penny. Nov 11, 2022
by Nathaniel N
May 17, 2022
The Golf R32 is an amazing car for collectors and other people that love the roaring sound of a not widely known engine. With its VR6 exhaust note, anyone who is anyone will recognize this iconic sound. Only 5000 MKV (5th Gen) were made in the United States. and there is a short supply of parts now. It is a Beautiful car and has aged really well for being almost a 15-year car. If you want a hot hatch with a lot of potential power this is the one.
The cons of the car are it is a 15-year car. Meaning again parts are limited, The car only comes in a coupe configeration for the United States, so fitting in 4 people in the car is diffcult. Not impossible. Youll have to check everything before you buy. Obvioulsy your typical stuff like you engine mounts, and such but youll have to check the deeper stuff as well like the coding for some of the components. Previous owners like to tamper with that and the car can be coded in every single country across Europe. Not a bad thing, just something to look out for.
The positive about the car is most parts can fit from a MKV GTI, or from the MKV body style of the Jetta so if you could find a pick and pull lot or a part out sale its almost as easy as buying the part from walmart and putting it in yourself. Its all wheel drive system is incredable. The duel clutch system is something to be proud of. and the comfort is just amazing. You will enjoy driving the car, and if you dont well not everyone is a Volkswagen fan. But if you find youself in the situation of purchsing one. Do not hesitate. pull the trigger as the saying goes.
May 17, 2022
User rating:
by ronald d
Feb 27, 2024
This car has great features including rain sensing wipers. You buy this car for the sound the exhaust makes. Its not the fastest but is a lot of fun to drive. This is a great price for an R32. The only thing missing from this car is a responsive seller. Its really close to a GTI but the R32 has all wheel drive and this model year only came in an automatic. Feb 27, 2024
by Christopher E
Nov 11, 2022
If you’re looking at an R32, have no doubt, it’s worth every penny. Nov 11, 2022
by Nathaniel N
May 17, 2022
The Golf R32 is an amazing car for collectors and other people that love the roaring sound of a not widely known engine. With its VR6 exhaust note, anyone who is anyone will recognize this iconic sound. Only 5000 MKV (5th Gen) were made in the United States. and there is a short supply of parts now. It is a Beautiful car and has aged really well for being almost a 15-year car. If you want a hot hatch with a lot of potential power this is the one.
The cons of the car are it is a 15-year car. Meaning again parts are limited, The car only comes in a coupe configeration for the United States, so fitting in 4 people in the car is diffcult. Not impossible. Youll have to check everything before you buy. Obvioulsy your typical stuff like you engine mounts, and such but youll have to check the deeper stuff as well like the coding for some of the components. Previous owners like to tamper with that and the car can be coded in every single country across Europe. Not a bad thing, just something to look out for.
The positive about the car is most parts can fit from a MKV GTI, or from the MKV body style of the Jetta so if you could find a pick and pull lot or a part out sale its almost as easy as buying the part from walmart and putting it in yourself. Its all wheel drive system is incredable. The duel clutch system is something to be proud of. and the comfort is just amazing. You will enjoy driving the car, and if you dont well not everyone is a Volkswagen fan. But if you find youself in the situation of purchsing one. Do not hesitate. pull the trigger as the saying goes.
May 17, 2022
by Kyle D
Mar 04, 2021
The VW R32 is a current and future classic. VW saved the best for the last of its naturally aspirated hot hatches. With an exhilarating exhaust sound, superior handling, and unmatched practicality, these cars are the best of the best. Mar 04, 2021
by Roby S
May 11, 2020
Great engine and go cart like handling. Great value for a used car, limited production of 5,000 units. Comparable to the standard Golf, Audi A3 3.2 and Audi TT. May 11, 2020
by Daniel G
May 21, 2014
The 2008 VW R32 is one of the smothers rides I've ever had. Well, as long as it's on the Tarmac. While the R32's overall performance and comfort are off the charts compared to its competitors the standard suspension on this vehicle is a little to sensitive for me. Other than that this car is so much fun to drive. It's hard not to make excuses not to drive in Sport mode. The overall comfort and convenience the R32 offers is rare for this breed of car. You get a lot more luxury than you paid for. May 21, 2014
by Alexei K
Mar 24, 2011
Wolf in sheep's clothings. Looks like old fat boy. Can kick ass most of
competitors. Infinities do not like it - to fast for them.
The key struggle is oversteering. And you can manage it... If you
buy expensive suspension.
Exhaust is something that makes you a little bit sexy than other.
Feel the VR6 heart, it makes you more sexy further.
Good point - consumption is manageable and very reasonable.
General conclusion: great basis for tuning!Mar 24, 2011
by Kelly-jo D
Sep 25, 2010
I loved this car very much. It was a beast and great fun to drive...i would say this is the best car ever!!!Only down side is the petrol, and tax. Apart from that i loved it...good times!!!Sep 25, 2010
by Pete Z
Aug 30, 2010
The car is all around great, looks, performance, a quality car from front to
back. The gas mileage is good, with a V6 and AWD its about as good as
you can get. The car is a lot of fun to drive, with sport mode, and the
paddle shifters, there are multiple ways that it can be driven.Aug 30, 2010
by Serdar B
Aug 24, 2010
this car handles very good and drives very well , little bit heavy at the front but you get used to it,i would highly recommend this car to anyone who wants to have fun driving with a liitle bit of excitementAug 24, 2010
by Barry R
Jul 28, 2010
Fantastic handling and grip in all weathers. Usuable everyday performance. Decent economy for a 3.2 litre V6, (28mpg). Does everything brilliantly and gives a smile every mile!!
Simply the greatest all rounder available, for affordable performance motoring.
Check out www.R32OC.comJul 28, 2010
by Brian R
May 08, 2010
She is a sporty car. Fast, great on turns, a thrill to ride and i think is a
very safe car. The engine rev is amazing and the pick up speed is also
amazing. I think the perfect 2 door coupe sports car on the market
today.May 08, 2010
by Tim L
Oct 19, 2009
awesome burble when you fire it up and amazing soundtrack when you go for a spirited drive! great handling to match the power. lacks cupholders adn the seats can be a little uncomfortable for longer journeys.
they don't make these anymore, its going to be a classic!Oct 19, 2009
by Holger S
Oct 10, 2009
good performance, acceleration even in lower RPM
for a V6, lovely manual shifting, sporty yet
comfortable bucket seats, fantastic & quite
aggressive sound for a factory exhaust, suspension
a bit too soft and center of gravity should be lower
overall a real nice ride for any occasion,
understatement pure!Oct 10, 2009
by Joe Y
Sep 11, 2009
i like everything! car handles like a dream. all wheel drive. power of a VR6 motor. nice big brake kit. great look. car is amazingly fun to drive. wouldnt have any other car but my R32. i just wish it came in stick.Sep 11, 2009
by Simon C
Sep 02, 2009
I like pretty much everything about it! Sounds good, looks good, well built and it is holding its value amazingly well. Fuel economy is the only down side but even that is ok. Fun to drive but with 5 door hatch practicality!Sep 02, 2009
by Joey R
Jul 28, 2009
Its an amazing car it goes very fast for its kind and
handels excellent on the track. Mine is the 2299/5000
of the 2007 model. It rules and fun to drive. Its in
white and there are only three here in Puerto Rico.Jul 28, 2009
by Duncan C
Mar 20, 2009
seriouis sound, so unique vw growlin sound
serious acceleration, brakin
serious handlin with re050a
serious buckets
serious look
0-100: 5.7s test by carndriver
awesome wen you dip the corners!!!
owning it feels like being parrt of vw golf family
serious wen you meet golfers on streets, n smoke othersMar 20, 2009
by Kevin L
Nov 25, 2008
Did lots of research on other euro cars and came across the VW MK5 R32 and was very impressed with the write up and performance figures for a car in its class. Eventually i decided to go visit the dealership and viewed the car and didn't even test drive it....paid in full that very day and drove it home a few hours later after registering. Ever since that day, i've never looked back or regretted with my wonderful purchase and its definitely value for money and performance, the awesome DSG gear box and the all wheel 4 motion drive system which is great on wet days and needless to say on dry hot days.Nov 25, 2008
by Emma C
Sep 14, 2008
Hands down, my favorite car right now! It's great fun. Simple trips in the hood have become great drivin adventure. It keeps up with cars twice the price. Got my little torque monster pimped. It looks and sounds wild comin down the block. It handles well in all conditions. The first time I drove it as fast as I wanted, I could'nt help myself, I screamed!Sep 14, 2008
by Jim B
Jul 26, 2008
This car is so much fun to drive! All wheel
drive and DSG tranny! Rain, what rain? Just
keep the hammer down right on through
the turn!
Build quality is excellent. Mileage is okay.
But, hey, I'll give a bit there for this great
sounding, hard drivin' 3.2 liter V6!Jul 26, 2008
by Celia K
Jul 05, 2008
Great handling, European styling which is stunning. Jul 05, 2008
by Mike E
Jun 30, 2008
I LOVE this car. There's torque all over the RPM range, it grips like crazy, sounds exotic, and is very comfortable. I wouldn't trade it for anything within 10k of its price. Jun 30, 2008
by Ian A
Apr 07, 2008
This car is amazing. The engine makes an EPIC noise and the 4Motion all
wheel drive keeps everything in check. The car may only have 250 bhp but
it puts every single ounce of its power down on the ground perfectly. Apr 07, 2008
by Pete N
Mar 19, 2008
Engine sounds great, linear power, awd, dsg, should have another 50 hp.Mar 19, 2008
by Joel R
Mar 17, 2008
Haldex love it. pure sound of a nice V6Mar 17, 2008
by David P
Jan 15, 2008
My father isn't a big fan of cars, and convincing him to buy this one was very, very hard.
It is fast, no question about that, but then he doesn't care (you know the thing: speed limits, pollution, bla, bla, bla).
It's 4-wheel drive, so when it rains or snows, you continue without a hint of a problem, and my father liked this idea.
He also thought that being unconspicuous was a good thing and that if I was happy to take the keys from time to time, then, why not buying it after all?
And at the beginning, all was well. This car has so much grip, you can't believe it, you just can't!
I've never driven it in the snow (too bad, I know), but in the rain, it's beyond belief ... I imagine (for what I've read) that Subs and Evos are better, but the R32 is already plenty!
And it's so confortable inside ... ok, maybe my back was already used to the Mini's harshness but I truly think that the R32 is an almost perfect long-cruiser.
"The noise?", you may wonder ... it is gorgeous, pure music! My father, his girlfriend, all our friends of all ages and myself agree (ok, many don't care, but they agree nonetheless) that it sounds even better than the Nissan 350Z.
Unfortunately, it's not a looker. No matter how you put it, it just isn't. And now my father is tempted by an Alfa Romeo Brera Q4. I keep telling him it must be rubbish because so much slower ... but look at the Brera, that's a serious beauty this car!
Anyway, the R32 may be a bit thirsty (10l/100km) but the overall experience is worth a 4/5 stars. Oh, and I almost forget! The DSG gearbox is an absolute dream ... at least, it must be ... such a shame our R32 doesn't have it!! Options don't mean much when you often change you car ... Jan 15, 2008
by Wade S
Jan 10, 2008
just a wow car amazing handeling and quick changing gear box v8 engine turbo charged standarded becomes hard to control with racing fuel stability weakensJan 10, 2008
by Kobus V
Dec 31, 2007
I struggled for many months to get my hands on one of these when they arrived in SA - They were selling like sweet Cake..
It is a very well made car with good, sexy looks - good handling figures thanx to ESP, and then aaaaah that wonderful 3.2L V6 Engine, it is however not as fast as the heavily modded 2.8L VR6 that I usually drive, but man, it sure puts a smile on my face..Dec 31, 2007
by Anonymous
Dec 26, 2007
I bought the car used. It had 1200 miles on it and I have put on another 1000. It is a joy to
drive. Seats are very comfortable. Good on the highway as well as around town. I leave it in
regular mode until the engine is warmed up then shift it in to sport mode. Exhaust note is
good. Have not tried the iPod setup yet. This is my first VW. I would buy another one.Dec 26, 2007
What users have asked
Buying a 2008 r32 is it a good idea?
I'm looking to trade in my 2009 mini cooper s clubman. During this time I found a vw r32 the 2008 edition. It has 130k miles but only had 1 owner. The last owner also did a lot f work to it. Such work as air bag kit, performance brakes, k&n cold air intake, just cleaned motor with all sensors replaced, just tuned, has custom exhaust guy said it was 2.5k for the exhaust, special air intake manifold, nice rims and tires, all new interior and dashboard, very clean and well kept. They are asking 8,990 for it and with the trade in going to be 4-5k for the car. My question is what should I look for before purchasing it, will this car last awhile if I do routine maintenance, is this car a good deal?
627 views
08 whats ur number?
what numbers the 08 guys have?? i got 103
260 views
is there a (you tube) how to program 2008 vw r32 navigation system
looking for a video/article on-how to program the 2008 vw r32 navigation system?
215 views
off roading?
I am looking into trying to find a car that can handle backcountry roads without the gas cost of an suv. Friend suggested this car, does anyone have experience driving off road in theirs? or a suggestion of another car to look into? im also looking into the subaru legacy wagon and outback but am trying to broaden my searches beyond subaru, theyre dont have the most comfortable interior. I am an outdoorsy person that would want to load the roof up with bikes, boats, whatever and the VWs appeal to me because I can reach the roof, and theyre sexier :)
243 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2008 Volkswagen R32?Compare this car
2008 Volkswagen R32 Pricing
Original MSRP
$32,990 to $32,990Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · IPod auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: aluminum · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing