According to Kicking Tires at Cars.com, the uber-Rabbit R32 will only be sold in Europe for 2009. There was an original allocation of 5,000 cars, of which 276 are still sitting on VW dealer lots. The R32 is based on the GTI, but the most significant differences are the engine-a 250hp V-6, and its drivetrain-4Motion all-wheel drive. VW promises 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds. A six-speed DSG transmission is the only choice available. With that, VW also offered a host of suspension, exterior and interior bits to further differentiate the car from its lesser siblings. The price? A hare under $33,000USD, $1,800 more if you want nav.
But for $10,000 less, you can get a GTI. A 200hp turbo-4 will haul you to 60 in 7.2 seconds. You can have an honest 6-speed manual transmission. The 4Motion AWD is not available though, and as with any VW, remain calm on the option checklist. I totally optioned out a GTI and came up with a sticker of $31,000.
I always thought the R32 was a fun, unique car that had a dedicated fan base. Based on research and reviews though, it was hard to figure out who this car’s competition was. A Mitsubishi Lancer Evo or Subaru WRX, two rally-bred machines, just don’t seem to match up well. The VW is way too smooth and refined compared to these adrenaline-junkies. Who else then? The BMW 1-series? In that case, I’ll take the BMW any day. It’s the total package, without the stigma of economy car roots that dogs the VW, Mitsu, and Subie.
The R32 seems poised to make an eventual return to these shores following the introduction of the next generation Golf/Rabbit, a good thing for the VW faithful. Now only if they could bring us the Scirocco…
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
As an R32 owner I must speak up … first off I’m not sure what this has made the auto news round since VW never planned the R32 for anything other than 5000 units as an 08 model. They did 5000 for US in 04 and 5000 in 08.
I bought the R32 precisely because it has no competition and is really one of the the only cars in that niche. I wanted a comfortable cruiser to deal with rush hour commutes that has as close to a manual transmission as I could get without the left pedal. There really was no other choice but the GTI! After driving both the “feel” of the R32 was IMHO much more refined and upscale with a lot better brakes. And it’s kinda nice having a niche car, you don’t pass yourself on the road. At the time the BMW 1 wasn’t out but after testing it recently I would still take the R32. It might have a “stigma of economy car roots” to those that don’t know better but the BMW 1 comes with its own stigma as well … as any BMW does.
If they’d only put the 3.6L or, better, twins on the 3.2L for the 2008MY, this would have been a *great* car. It’s pretty sad that a chipped GTI is faster, more fun to drive and $10K less than the R32. At least you get the extra-special ‘1 of 5000′ Euro badge… Yawn — please pass the keys for the 135i.