Teresa’s View

Sat., May 22, 2004

The Spokesman-Review

Volkswagen’s R32 may have the body of a Golf, but it has the soul of a very bad boy.

For one week, the R32 and I were inseparable, sneaking off to find serpentine back roads and drawn-out lanes with long, slow grades.

I could get in a lot of trouble in this car.

The fact the R32 is even available in the United States is a fluke. A group of American automotive journalists drove the European version in Germany. Once they were able to speak again, they clamored to have the R32 brought to the States. VW acquiesced, providing a limited production run for 2004.

VW said the R32 was created for a target market that appreciates both comfort and performance, and, yes, that means some compromises. While the R32 is the most powerful VW in its class — with 0-to-60 mph times of 6.4 seconds — the Subaru WRX STi beats the pants off the heavier R32, posting a sizzling 4.6-second score.

VW outfitted the high-performance hottie with the best — and most comfortable — driver’s seat I’ve experienced. The Konig sport seats held me with a firm but gentle touch. The leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel tilts and telescopes for optimal positioning. The sounds that emanate from VW’s innovative 3.2-liter V-6 engine are nothing short of amazing.

I recently had the opportunity to put the R32 through its paces at Firebird Race Track in Phoenix. On a special rally course, designed to show off the car’s precise cornering and ample braking abilities, the R32 eagerly devoured decreasing radius curves, demonstrating its prowess as the first ever all-wheel drive Golf.

Only an eagle eye will spot the difference between the R32 and its more passive counterpart. Brushed alloy accents and a smattering of “R” logos are the only interior clues. Dual exhaust pipes, rear spoiler, side skirts and a large honeycomb ventilation grill in the lower front apron augment the exterior.

Of course, the big, dang smile of the face of the driver is the real tip-off.

What Is It?: The R32 is a sporty version of the Golf from Volkswagen. Priced just over $30K, the four-door hatchback is a limited production model based on the Golf.

Gadget Rating: 7 out of 10. Luxury gadgets are present and accounted for here. Electronic climate control, self-dimming rearview mirror, rain sensor windshield wipers, heated front seats, sunroof, cruise control and power windows, mirrors and door locks are standard. Tunes are provided by a premium, eight-speaker Monsoon sound system. Demerits for the nearly inaccessible, manual seat adjustments.

So, Where Are Ya From?: Most of the parts are made in Germany, but the final assembly plant point is Bratislava, Slovakia.

Geography Test Answer: Slovakia is part of the country formerly known as Yugoslavia.

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