I must admit that I have been tempted by the Golf R. It is expensive but the performance (even more so when mapped), the practicality (think I'd go 5 door) and also the 4wd are all attractive features. But then I configured one on the VW site.
Here it is:
VW Golf R
DSG
Standard Wheels
Reflex Silver/ Rising Blue (not decided but both same price)
ACC (can get fed up of the bumpy ride sometimes on the GTI)
Sunroof
Cruise
£34,865.
So I thought about what it was in the Golf R I really liked. In terms of performance I really like a good bit of overtaking shove without having to shift down... so I suppose it is really torque I am after than just high end horsepower. As demonstrated by my inclusion of ACC, I recognise that the standard GTI ride is too firm sometimes and more often than not, I'd prefer it softer.
And for the money I came up with this:
Mercedes C Class
7G Tronic Automatic (inc. cruise control)
Silver
Elegance Class
Panoramic Sunroof
Split folding rear seats
Grey Artico Interior
The total for the Merc is around £30-31k. If I was to utilise the full budget of the Golf R then I could upgrade to a C350 CDI which provides the same 270hp but in a diesel so a heck of a lot more torques
So it's either a fast VW Golf or an equally fast (and probably faster at overtaking) Merc for the same money.
As great a car as the Golf is, and as desirable as the Golf R is... it's just not that much car for the money.