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Volkswagen R32
2008 Volkswagen R32 high performance compact coupe2008 Volkswagen R32 - enlargeComplete Volkswagen R32 New Car Reviews listed below
The 2008 Volkswagen R32 compact coupe (MSRP $32,990) is available in only the Base trim level. The R32 competes with the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mini Cooper S, Subaru Impreza, and Volvo C-30. It comes equipped with a 250-horsepower, 3.2-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automated manual transmission, mechanical center differential, center limited slip differential, all-wheel drive system, four-wheel independent suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, MacPherson strut front suspension, and a multi-link rear suspension.
The current Volkswagen R32 is a re-design of the limited-production Golf-based model previously sold in the U.S. The Golf R32 was introduced to Europe as a 2003 model, then sold the following year in the U.S. as the Volkswagen R32 sharing "the vast majority of its major components with the 3.2 L Audi TT, most notably, the engine, all wheel drive system, and both front and rear suspension geometries." [1]
Now the Volkswagen R32 is really an Audi TT in disguise. The R32 not only has the same 250-horsepower, 3.2-liter, dual overhead cam V6 engine found in the Audi TT, it also has the TT's incredible Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmission - the best mass-produced transmission on the market. The DSG is a clutchless, manual transmission that can also be operated in a fully-automatic mode. When in the manual mode, the driver up-shifts by pulling a paddle on the left side of the steering wheel and downshifts by pulling a paddle on the right. The system will not shift for you in this mode, as is the case with cars that have automatic transmissions combined with sport-shift modes.
Unlike the Audi TT, the Volkswagen R32 has 5-person seating capacity. The R32's leather sport front seats are height-adjustable, have power adjustable lumbar support and multi-level heating. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather, as is the shift knob. Instrumentation includes a tachometer, trip computer, clock, and external temperature display. There is alloy trim on the dash, center console and doors. In the back there is a bench rear seat with a split-folding rear seat back and a pass-thru center armrest.
Interior comfort features in the R32 include interior air filtration and dual zone climate controls for the driver and front passenger. There are also rear ventilation ducts. Convenience features include cruise control, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, electric speed-proportional power steering, front console with storage, electrochromatic inside rear-view mirror, front and rear reading lights, dual illuminating vanity mirrors, front and rear cup holders, front seat-back storage, front door pockets, remote trunk release, 12V front and 12V cargo area power outlets, retained accessory power, manual rear seat easy entry, cargo area light, front and rear floor mats, cargo tie downs, and a rear defogger.
Entertainment and telematics features include Sirius satellite radio, diversity antenna, AM/FM in-dash 6 CD player, CD-controller with CD MP3 Playback stereo, 10 total speakers, speed-sensitive volume control, and audio controls on the steering wheel. A Global Positioning System (GPS) is optional.
The Volkswagen R32 power features include remote power door locks, 2 one-touch power windows with remote operation, power and heated mirrors, and a power glass sunroof with remote operation. On the outside it is equipped with speed-sensitive and rain-sensing wipers, an intermittent rear wiper, and a rear spoiler. This sporty coupe comes with 18 x 7.5 inch alloy wheels, performance tires, and temporary inside-mounted steel spare tire.
Safety and security features on the VW R32 include front and rear head airbags, dual front side-mounted airbags, passenger airbag occupant-sensing deactivation, front seatbelt pretensioners, rear center 3-point seatbelt, 2 front and 2 rear height-adjustable headrests, and child seat anchors. It also comes with traction control, 4-wheel Antilock Braking System (ABS), stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, xenon high intensity discharge headlamps, engine immobilizer, headlamp high-pressure washers, daytime running lights, and a remote anti-theft alarm system.
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Rather than using outlandish styling gimmicks like hood scoops and giant rear wings, the fast and agile Volkswagen R32 looks remarkably similar to the inexpensive Golf economy car. These subtle changes only hint at the racecar-like capability of this $29,000 high-performance machine.
