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 is unfortunately not sold in Canada.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
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.
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| The R32 is powered by a nice little 3.2-litre V6 engine producing 250 hp. |
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 is unfortunately not sold in Canada.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
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