2008 Volkswagen R32

At the test track, the R32 ripped from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and through the quarter mile in 14.4 at 94.5 mph. Compared with the GTI, with its 200-horse, 2.0-liter turbo, the R32 is 0.5 second quicker to 60 and 0.3 quicker through the quarter. Its fiercest competitors-the Mitsubishi Evo and Subaru STI-are speedier machines, but they lack the R32's overall refinement, due in part to the Jekyll-and-Hyde nature of their turbo engines. In contrast, the R32's iron-block motor is as linear as a runway, always urging you to push it past 6000 rpm, if only to enjoy the vociferous barks through the center-mounted dual exhaust with every pull of a shift paddle. Moreover, the R32 feels like an Audi (indeed, the R32 is really a reconstituted A3 3.2 S-line quattro), and as such seems more solid and sophisticated than the two Asians.

Volkswagen's R32 is a great car. It's got a feeling of solidness that makes you want to rub the steering wheel and pat the shift knob, just sit there and appreciate the cabin's elegance.

VW has built the new R32 to be the ultimate European hot hatch. This obviously isn't the first time it's done this. The MkIV R32 was built in the tire tracks of the amazing Golf G60 Limited and the infamous Rallye Golf.

VW wants this car to be its technological showcase. A car to represent everything it can do: build a world-class performance car that not only excels in carving canyons, but provides a level of quality and comfort expected by customers of more expensive European brands. To VW enthusiasts, the MkV R32 represents what VW has always been about-performance, style, comfort, utility and originality.