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"Now that Volkswagen’s GTI is here and the return of the Rabbit (formerly known as Golf) is imminent, VW is confirming the next piece of the product picture: R32"

Full (and short) report found here:
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060620/FREE/60619034/1024/TOC01ARCHIVE  

Though im excited about the new R32's power and manuverability (i think i spelled that right), im still dissappointed with the new body styling of the GTI.  It kind of looks like a mini mini van.  

Unfortunately I have to agree, I was really hoping the *** styling would grow on me, but it hasn't, at all. I still groan everytime I see a new GTI. The R32 looks marginally better, but it still doesn't look like a golf. It would make a decent Japanese design, but it shouldn't be a VW. Why does seem like every German manufacturer has been screwing up with their designs. We have Porsche with the 996, luckily they have fixed a lot of the problems, we have BMW with their bangelized cars, they are slowly fixing those, and now VW. I am just hoping VW can pull it back together for the A6.  

It does seem that all GErman cars are falling into that trend of looking like crap...i wish theyd all go back to how they looked in 2002 and before...now that was true Eurpean design...i always loved how BMW's prior 5 Series looked, but now...not so much  

It is sad to see that VW's design is going downhill. I have been a huge fan of the GTI but now I can't see myself driving one. I test drove a GTI last week and thought they did an excellent job with its performance aspect. I was suprised by the DSG and how it was so responsive. If only the design of the car was better....  

i'm actually digging the new passat wagon, but thats about it.  the new gti looks like a little toy.  i shouldnt say little bacause its too bubbly, its a big cutesy toy.  i love the previous r32 though.  

Completely agree with you.  They nees to tapper off the back end much more harshly,  no smooth slow declines!  

Big whoop. The R32 is not that much more powerful than the GTI, and STILL less powerful than the Mazdaspeed 3, not to mention quite a bit more expensive. I admit a negative experience with an '00 MkIV has soured me on VW, but they don't appeal to me as much as they did, especially with cheaper, faster and more attractive alternatives on the market.  

There was a phrase that came out along with the previous R32 that's fairly appropriate: "You paid 35k for a GOLF??"

It still applies  

*bump*

well to those who don't know it yet, the R32 is already out.

http://www.5000r32.com/