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Slight off topic but had tinkered with idea of changing my gti performance and had looked at few golf r they were basic spec with no added toys  and the interior was  slightly drab compared to the gti  that aside the garage beside myself just had in a Navarra blue s3  hatch back  which I took a drive in earlier. Traffic was bd nd no real opportunity to send it on. But the interior  again was bit of a let down  and agin few frills   Has anybody any thoughts on that compared to an r thanks

Hello GTIO friends !

On my 3rd GTI, a mk7.5 that I 've had for 5 years, and sadly not doing enough miles in it. Previously I've owned a mk1 and a mk7. IMO the mk7 is the sweet spot, although I did many miles in the mk1 and enjoyed it hugely.

This is going back a few years but I paid £300 for my old one. I absolutely wouldn't pay £7/800 for one.

Get a contact or a post forwarding service in N.I and you'll get it no problem from Germany.

For me the ar is a super capable, competent and rapid hatch.  Very quick point to point. All the time. Rain or shine. A comfy ,classy refined and safe way to transport your loved ones about in too. Makes lots of sense.  This can matter to the older amongst us.

The GTIhas the fizz, playfulness and fun character.  Feels it’s helping you, encouraging you to drive with a bit of flair.  Adds some excitement for some. The R just does it - and is seen as boring, dull, unexciting because of this.

A hard choice   But there’s no bad or wrong choice - just what, suits your needs best.  Good luck agonising.

My posts can usually waffle on for pages without really saying much so I’ll keep it brief, mostly because it’s lunchtime and I need food!

GTI pros: much better looks, lighter feeling chassis, compliant ride, better on fuel, turbo spools at usefully lower revs preventing the DSG being caught in an off boost hole more often when driving maturely.

GTI cons: as previously mentioned, it’s a lovely torquey motor but can run out of puff like a GTD, however the DSG can offset that more than a manual as the former will change up and hit you with another slug of boost.
Wheelspin on occasion when driving less maturely.


R pros: much more revvy engine encouraging you to drive less maturely. The propshaft running between the axles gives the bodyshell a more rigid feel. Traction, obviously. Understated looks preferred by some.

R cons: every dual motor Tesla taxi driver wants to annihilate you at the traffic lights.
Looks a bit boring, especially inside.
30% worse on fuel than a GTD.
Engine can be caught off boost when driving maturely.


Conclusion: the R will feel more of a step up from a GTD



Lunchtime for me…