IF, I was considering a Mk8, it would be between these two. I think I would be more inclined to an R, partly as having had two GTIs now I'd want something at least a bit different. They have also finally made the interior more interesting on the R which is important and the extra traction off the line sounds good. Of all the reviews I've seen online so far only the R has had my full attention. But, my TCR is just too good overall for this to be a likelihood, what I really want is to move to a house with a decent garage so I can get a classic, something with some real character and just the things you really need for driving, none of the total nonsense that you get on every car now that we think we can't survive without. And two (or three) twin choke Webers!