Volkswagen Golf R32 VR6
The only Volkswagen Golfs to receive a V6 engine appeared on American shores in 2004 and 2008, then disappeared into car history soon after.
Written by Jasmine Kanter
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Volkswagen’s 3.2L VR6-equipped, luxury-appointed Golf R32 brought the concept of a “hot hatch” to a lukewarm American market in 2004 and 2008, importing just 5,000 units each year.
Born in 1974, the Volkswagen Golf had nine generations to get its formula right. At a time when VW sales were slumping and the GTI appeared to have lost its way, Volkswagen unveiled a mutant: the R32. Splicing an Audi’s power into a Golf GTI’s body, the resulting hatchback inspired a dedicated cult following for its serene handling, luxurious cabin, and understated power.
Alas, the combination never caught on in the States, yet both the 2004 and 2008 editions are shaping up to be hard-to-find collector’s items. If you’re lucky enough to have one, you’d better start looking at
classic car insurance
.Ready to dive into the only V6 Volkswagen Golf (formerly) on the market. Read on!
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers2008 Volkswagen Golf R32
Starting price: $33,630
Engine: 3.2L DOHC VR6
Horsepower: 250
Torque: 236 pound-feet
0 to 60: 6.2 seconds
A few clarifications before we begin: “R” stands for “Rabbit” and a VR6 engine differs from a V6 only in the angle at which its cylinders are pitched. A narrow, space-saving engine helps this two-door “pocket rocket” store 43 cubic feet of cargo while maintaining a top speed of 153.5 mph. Far from being cramped, the comfortable interior features soft upholstery, burnished metallic accents, and König bucket seats.
The rest of the R32’s features are built to support the power under its hood: supple multi-link suspension, electronic power steering, and a near-silent cabin. Apparently, Volkswagen believed they had struck the perfect balance between comfort and performance because the R32 was never offered in more than one trim level. As for add-on options, there are only three: all-season tires, black leather seating, and a navigation system.
Here’s a roundup of the Volkswagen Golf R32’s other standout features:
- A 6-speed dual-clutch sequential automanual gearbox (DSG)
- Haldex 4MOTION all-wheel drive
- 7.5-by-18-inch aluminum alloy wheels
- Bi-Xenon headlamps
How’s the fuel economy?
You can expect 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway from the Volkswagen Golf R32. Compare that to the regular 2006 Golf, which sees 24 and 31 mpg in the city and on the highway, respectively. Considering the power and luxury at your disposal with the R32, it’s more than a great companion to your daily drive—it’s practically a butler.
Which Volkswagen Golf models have the V6?
Only one Volkswagen Golf model ever received a V6 engine: the R32. While it proved popular in Europe, the R32 was only ever imported twice to America—in 2004 and 2008—selling just 5,000 units each time.
How fast is the Volkswagen Golf?
The Golf R32 zips up to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. Compare that to:
While the R32 places at the bottom of the list for speed, to quote
Motortrend
, “it’s not what the R32 does but how the car does it.”Key Takeaway The Golf R32 saw a limited release in the States, which is a shame considering how rarely you see this much performance and style packed into a hatchback.
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Which is better: 2004 or 2008?
Among diehard Volkswagen fans, both 2004 and 2008 R32s are welcome participants in the yearly VW-centric rally,
Fastivus
, where you can check out lovingly-restored examples in their prime and talk shop with gearheads about the pros and cons of each model year.Springing from the 2004
Golf GTI
, the R32 of the same year made its engine more at home by incorporating bigger brakes, quicker steering, and a low suspension—plus a $7,000 price hike. You won’t lose out on fuel mileage if you opt for 2004 over 2008, as they’re quite comparable.In 2008, the VR6 returned to North American shores in the Mk5 version, bringing with it an extra 10 horsepower. The automatic transmission, unfortunately, made less of a splash among dedicated fans. It didn’t stack up very well against the Golf GTI of the time either, even though the price difference had narrowed to a mere $3,000.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a true collectible, it’s worth the trouble to hunt for a 2004 R32. If not, you’ll probably have more luck finding one of the less popular 2008 models.
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FAQs
Does the Volkswagen Golf come in V6?
Yes, but it’s hard to find. Only the Golf R32 was ever equipped with a V6 engine, but with only two model years to choose from (2004 and 2008) and 10,000 imports, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one that’s readily available.
Are V6 Volkswagen Golfs reliable?
Beloved among VW fans, every R32 in existence has probably been driven quite hard. The main selling point for these models isn’t so much reliability as collectibility—which is quite high, according to
Hagerty
and Motortrend
.Does the Volkswagen Golf R32 have AWD?
Yes, both the 2004 and 2008 model years are equipped with 4MOTION all-wheel drive.
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