German Car Zone

For some people, nothing is powerful enough. A few of them seem to be employed in Volkswagen's Wolfsburg offices. For the past few years now, Volkswagen has been preparing a more exclusive version of its popular compact car.

In this category of carefully groomed go-karts, looks, and jaw-dropping performance, play a big role, and that's exactly what the R32 is using as a trump card. Despite the fact that the R32 is actually derived from the Rabbit, the assembly and the attention to detail are superb. It looks like it was born this way.

The integration of a chrome nose diving down to the front rocker panel is a success. The grille is stylish and the manufacturer added a fairly discrete rocker panel that does have a certain boldness, thanks to the large air intakes. The rear has also undergone some shock therapy, now boasting twin, chrome-plated centre tailpipes and tinted taillight lenses.

The interior is much more sober. Entirely recovered from the Rabbit, it is conspicuous by its German ergonomics but also its utter lack of originality. Certain features remind us of the advertised performance: The flat-bottomed steering wheel, the few brushed aluminum plates, the sporty seats. What really impressed me though is the cool pedal system.

The overall finish is good, in the tradition of above-average German cars. It features generous equipment, which seems normal considering the price tag. The extras include Bi-Xenon headlights, a multi-disc, 10-speaker sound system, an antitheft device, a rain sensor, cruise control and a reverse camera, i.e., all gadgets that distinguish a simple sports car from a true GT.

As a hatchback, space is not its forte, especially when it comes to the cargo area. However, the seats do provoke a little shiver of anticipation on first sight, promising comfort and support worthy of a rally car. Once comfortably seated in a preferred driving position, you quickly remember how Recaro seats earned their reputation; they are simply marvellous.

Music to your ears
The R32 is powered by a nice little 3.2-litre V6 engine producing 250 hp and a low purring sound that's music to my ears. Unfortunately, the weight of the engine and the all-wheel-drive system impairs performance somewhat. However, the launch control system is very efficient and allows you to use the engine in its power range with a distinct advantage over its competitors. It delivers the advertised performance: this is a good, torquy power plant that lives up to expectations. Fuel consumption is a little high, averaging 13.6 litres per 100 km.

The automatic, 6-speed DSG transmission is a little slow on the downshift, diminishing the driving pleasure somewhat. Also, it's not 100% manual: when it's time to use the steering wheel paddles at high rpm, the transmission shifts by itself when nearing that lovely red zone on the rpm counter. Steering is very pleasant, a real precision tool with the added bonus of a very short turning radius. On the track, the brakes retained their bite and efficiency lap after lap.

Handling and ride are severely handicapped by the weight of the engine block. The off-centre, V6 engine overly increases the mass while causing considerable understeer when entering corners and limiting velocity. Lap times take a hit.

The competition
The R32's playground is rather small, but it rubs shoulders with other frankly interesting cars. As an all-wheel-drive vehicle, the R32's closest competitor is the Subaru Impreza WRX ($33,895). Then there's the MAZDASPEED3 ($31,360) and the Dodge Caliber SRT4 ($24,995). Finally, for drivers who enjoy a combination of sportiness and affordable prestige, there's the Audi A3 3.2 s-line ($45,700), the BMW 135i ($41,700) and the Mini John Cooper Works ($38,390).

Conclusion
The R32 is definitely a fun car. It has power and an aggressive style that's not over the top. Everything seems to have been taken into account except the weight of the engine, which impairs several aspects of the dynamic driving experience.

Want one? The R32 isn't officially on sale in Canada (yet), but some dealers can get you a US-spec version for about $40,000.
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