I have a GTi? I didn't know, can you tell me where I parked it please because I obviously have forgotten that I have one. I wonder what colour it is? Please God tell me it isn't a DSG, my wife has a Mk6 GTi with DSG and I hate driving it.
The dealer I use said that they sell 4-5 R's for every GTi they sell so maybe it is just around the West Midlands that they sell so well.
I'm not clear what the point of your post is other than to make the follwing points:
You have a manual mk7 GTI - great. Although you seem to have misplaced it, and can't remember what colour it is.
Your wife has a DSG mk6 GTI which you don't like driving - ok. Hopefully she does like it as it's her car.
Mk7 R's are common and outsell the 7GTI in the Midlands and most likely everywhere else - not in dispute and not of any concern to me.
I'm actually pleased that the R's prevelance has led to the GTI becoming the rarer car, and reinstated it's exclusivity to an extent. I'm a huge fan the VW GTI and it's heritage, and anything that reinforces it's place in the hot hatch arena and history is a very good thing IMO.
The R being more common does not bother me in the slightest. It may be a popular choice and there be lots around, but it is not common to me, it is a great car and I'm am thrilled every day I drive it. I'm very glad I bought it.
You like your GTI; I like my R. I don't like the R Estate.
Anything to add?