Vehicle: 2004 VW R32
Price as tested: US$30652

Handling: R32 could well be the best handling Mk4 ever. VW has specially tuned the R with stiffer springs, suspension and shocks. It also rides lower than garden-variety GTI. The result is a dynamic package that truly impressed when getting behind the wheel. There is very little over and understeer when pushed. When you drive hard into a corner, the smart ESP doesn’t kick in until absolutely necessary. Steering provides the usual responsiveness that is typical of all Mk4 series of VW, on the other hand, there are more steering feedback and precision. Thanks to the Haldex AWD, it also sticks to the road like no tomorrow. The body rolls are minimal. Unlike many econosports, R32’s ride quality is supple and comfortable without all the bouncy you found in its competitions.

Performance: The “32″ denotes the upgraded narrow-angle VR6 engine that bumps out 3.2 liter in relative to lesser 2.8 in lower GTI. 236 lb/ft of torque really performs as you drop the anchor. There are plenty of low-end grunt with excellent throttle response. On the other hand, its high rpm performance is as spectacular as its low rpm resposiveness. The 6-speed stick has the usual VW’s rubbery, in terms of feel. Despite that, the gates are well-defined and short. Clutch is light and progressive if the take-off point is a bit too high for my liking.

Brakes: A sports car has to have a braking system that match its performance and handling, R32 doesn’t disappoint. It provides sure-footedness pedal feel with short stopping distance. The ABS also won’t kick in until absolutely necessary.

Interior: Inside the R is the usual high-quality stuff you expect from a VW. The nice use of materials all over the dashboard. The sports seats are comfortable and supportive with a tasteful blue tone in the middle. All the switches have a high-quality, tactical feel that shame many luxury cars costing twice as much.

Conclusion: With the rear seats fold down, R provides practicality that is unheard of in the competitors. Combine Golf’s typical practicality, R32’s performance and desirability. That makes this the best Mk4 ever made, also the most desirable one.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2004 VW R32
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Performance: 4.75/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.75/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4.5/5
Value-f0r-money: 4.75/5

Overall rating: 4.75/5