Agreed Fred, it’s just a marketing thing.
Method:
R = top of the range, therefore justifying the extortionate prices that those that habitually buy “top of the range” products will pay pandering to their own vanity.
VW will continue to market a GTI in the form of a FWD smaller ID. model which is constantly being touted on fanboy officially sanctioned social media accounts. The smaller ID. GTI should appeal more to those that take into consideration the points raised in previous posts in this thread - traffic, road conditions, costs etc.
Result:
ID. R = Flabby 4wd 2 tonne rocket ships with every known luxury gadget
ID. GTI = aimed at those with a more realistic perception of value, a slight twinkle in their eye and don’t have an obsession with squishy door cards.
Conclusion:
Keep hold of your late model 7.5 until it falls apart.
Think could be tempted into a MK 8.5 R to keep the ICE thing going just that little bit longer from the MK 7.5, so what's that in timing? Lets say 4-5 years down the line when their prices have moderated from the ridiculous, maybe
But quite like the MK 8.5 changes and if its proven the software issues have been eradicated, be nice to actually experience the drive of the MK 8 which everyone seems to state is its strength.
My 128Ti minor let down is its drive and handling at B road level, and as months have worn on, its definitely take edge off what is otherwise been a good experience, so the drive and ride is pretty important, lets hope VW remember that when the EV finally take over the world, as its going to be some dull journeys being had for everyone, aside from excitement of where to charge next
My 128Ti has 18 months to run on lease, and then we will be running two 2019 plate Golf R imagine, wife's present is in stormtrooper guise so be looking for something different for mine, Indium Grey or Lapiz with black Pretoria's, maybe might drop back a year for 2018 to get 3 Door?
Hopefully prices will have moderated to sub £20k for good example being it will be 6 year old car by time i am searching.