Thanks for the appreciative comments, and I’m relieved that you share my thoughts around what I had started to consider being a bit of an odd choice but which has turned out well.
Previous daily was a 2016 3 door DSG PP in Pure white which I had decided to keep for a good few years as it really did everything I wanted in terms of all round ability. That changed when VW announced there would be no more 3 door GTI’s and the idea of having a combination of TCR spec with the last of a long, long line was too much to resist.
Courtesy of our regular weekend trips from the Midlands to Norfolk the TCR is now at just over 800 miles so it has been gently(!) extended and the best way I can describe the car is like the PP but turned up to 11. The performance is effortless in comparison and mid-range I’d say is on a par with the C63 coupe I changed for the PP (lovely car but with my commute it averaged 13 mpg which was frankly silly). The interior is a wonderful place to be and, as has been said by many far more qualified than I am to write about cars, it just does everything so well. Sitting at a steady cruise on the A14/A11 the TCR is comfortable and quiet, get to an empty stretch (new Elveden bypass works well late in the evening…) and it becomes every bit the performance car, not just a hot hatch. A comment much earlier in this thread “there will always be a GTI in my garage” sums it up perfectly – I really cannot think of another car I’ve owned or driven that is such a complete package.
It will be well worth the wait Hertsman!
Phil
We head up to Cromer 2-3 times a year and go to Centerparc at Elveden yearly, so know them roads well and look forward to cross referencing your experience
I looked hard over the fence at each of my last 3 changeovers since originally moving from Audi A3 Quattro 60 plate to a 63 plate GTD which at the time was revelation for me in drive experience (Quattro was a manual SLine and harsh ride) - The additions to my experience of DSG + DCC+ Auto Hold kept me with the brand and obviously added a ton of performance by skipping the GTI and moving up to an R - This time around I looked and was nearly swayed by the A35 AMG but decided to stay with the R to which I was then swayed by the TCR - There was none to test drive, had to make the selection, so as GTI was a scratch never itched I took the plunge and then had a nervous moment of what I was giving up in the AWD capability
However now the TCR is out there in the wild, each review has allayed my fears and am really looking forward to my first GTI and for once being able to have someone recognise the car drive if mention it (Unless you know your cars stating drive an R usually brings a blank look
)
Really want to see how the TCR and R compares, the clincher was the retaining of the BHP as really was reluctant to lose that on the move pace got so used to now, - know the R so well now that should pick up on the differences quite quickly both positive and negative
If you were to get a white think yours is the spec you would wish it to be, so good job and maybe give you a nod as spot you on the A11/A14 run one day
