2008 Volkswagen R32

The electromechanical steering is well weighted, with a comfortable heft at speed and a modest and progressive boost when the going is slow. Peeking out of the 18-inch alloy wheels are a set of big blue calipers, which effectively put the clamps on when needed. The fully independent suspension is eager to tackle any curves thrown at it, and all the more so with All Wheel Drive.

Interior

Slide inside the R32 and the driver views a twin circle dash display framed by a fat, flat bottom steering wheel. The grippy wheel is embedded with auxiliary audio controls. Shifting paddles peer over the top of the center spokes. Thin strips of engine-turned metal trim the dash and door panels. Performance cars call for performance seats, and the R32 has a fine pair of leather wrapped front buckets. In the tradition of all VWs, you need to take some time to customize the fit, but once you do you're golden. They're well bolstered to hold you in place during spirited driving and road-trip rated for comfort. The standard, 10-speaker audio system sounds good, has a 6-disc, in-dash CD changer and is MP3-compatible and satellite-capable (XM or Sirius).


Like the GTI, cabin ergonomics are first rate. The shifter falls easily to hand and pedals are well placed. Controls and switchgear are within easy reach. The optional ($1,800) DVD-based navigation system has a large, legible screen and straightforward controls. There's enough legroom in front to comfortably seat six footers plus. Rear seats will hold full-size folks too, with a little accommodation between front and back passengers (and a little time to wiggle in and out). Inside storage spots include a pair of wide door pockets with built-in bottle holders, and a small center console, the lid of which doubles as an extendable inside arm rest. Otherwise storage-wise, the R32 will hold 9.7 cubic feet of cargo in back, 43.4, if you fold down the split, rear seats.


The package is wrapped with some distinctive styling cues to set it apart from its hatchback brethren. One of the four available colors—Deep Blue Metallic—is exclusive to the model. The front fascia has a brushed aluminum-look grille and Bi-Xenon headlights. Dual, polished steel exhaust tips exit the center of the rear diffuser panel. Special badging, chin and rear roof spoilers, body colored trim and 18-inch wheels complete the look.


Volkswagen's GTI is a blast to drive and, with an MSRP of $22,730, a performance car bargain to boot. GTI's formula is simple: take a small, sensible car and mix in enough sportiness to make you forget that it's sensible. The R32 ($32,990) takes that formula one well-sorted step further. With a 10-large price gap between GTI and R32, the former is the obvious, bang-for-the-buck choice. But, if you like the R32's rorty, torquey V-6 and the four-paw traction; if you appreciate exclusivity (just 5,000 will be built); if the dollar difference doesn't make a difference, well, you'll get no argument from us. (www.vw.com)