2007 Volkswagen Golf R32 Preview

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What It Is

Sport compact cars are all the rage, and you'd think by the recent rash of small performance models and their popularity in American culture that the idea of these high-horsepower "pocket rockets" was a new one. In fact, VW pioneered the idea with the original GTI, and since 1983, Americans have consistently looked to Volkswagen dealers for cheap thrills. Time has worn on, however, and today's small car enthusiasts want more power. In response, Volkswagen produced a limited-production model called the R32 for 2004, equipped with a powerful V6 engine connected to a permanent all-wheel-drive system. Turns out that short-lived specialty model was just a preview of things to come, because for 2007, Volkswagen introduces a new Golf R32, based on the completely redesigned Golf three-door that is soon to arrive in America. Like the previous car, the new 2007 Volkswagen Golf R32 is no stripes-and-spoilers special. Aiming squarely at the Subaru WRX STI and the Mitsubishi Evolution IX, the new R32 trades a bit of performance for a dose of refinement that Volkswagen hopes will lure some customers considering those rally-ready but rough-edged competitors to the more sophisticated and luxurious Golf R32.

Why It Matters

Remember VW's advertising slogans like Fahrvergnugen and Drivers Wanted? The new 2007 Volkswagen Golf R32 bolsters the image of the brand, a brand clearly aimed at people who love to drive. And at first glance it seems Volkswagen is serious about performance by fitting the 2007 Golf R32 with a V6 instead of a four cylinder like those in competing models. Unfortunately, Volkswagen's 3.2-liter V6 produces about 250 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque - far shy of what the STI and Evolution are putting to the pavement. But one area where Volkswagen redeems itself is with more luxurious cabin appointments. The 2007 Volkswagen Golf R32 sports leather upholstery, aluminum trim, a ten-speaker stereo system, and a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel. Rounding out the R32's upscale appointments is an automatic climate control system.