I see what folk are saying here....
But it strikes me as a bit weird...
The GTI was not as powerful and even at its power levels struggled for grip with FWD.
I still say it, the extra weight from the 4WD of the R over the rear makes it feel more stable over typical british roads too.
So those are the gripes and the R fixes both of those problems.... and now some folk are wishing for it to be less good?
If you had a whatever supercar, would you really be saying "yeah its ok but less power and less grip would be better"?? I know I'd be saying "more bootspace and not as close to the ground please", but comparing an R to a GTI isn't that.
Could what you seek be even better if you had a 2.0 TSI R line? Less, power, less grip.... less everything really?
And that is the reason why I have second guessed myself a load of times since.
Drove the GTD for 3 years (did a lot more mileage then) before selecting the R and stated many times its all the car you will ever need, decent performance and excellent economy and comfort when started to crunch the miles, but the R is one you want.
My only gripe on the GTD was the getaway traction which was painful till 13,000 miles until put decent tyres on it and from that point on it was just an initial scrabble when floored it, but even though light flickered you were still moving and got away.
Use my wife's A1 as a lite comparison to what mean by different experience as 185 BHP is decent amount of power in such a small car and it does feel lighter and more engaging, and the slight scrabble you get is part of it, not a detraction - standing there, and tramping, now thats rubbish, but its not a complaint seen on any TCR review read or seen
There was never once a feeling of any loss of on the move stability no matter the condition in the GTD and that understanding played a part in selecting the TCR, yes the AWD gives you total assurance, but the MK 7 (GTD +GTI) is pretty assured also,
Colleagues have GTI also, done many a mile in one, and never once did it feel compromised at pace in dry or wet and you not really feel the difference at all, as the R is mainly FWD until until need is there for some back wheel assistance.
My history prior to the GTD was back to back Audi A3 Quattro > GTD > R so well versed in benefits and the feeling of driving AWD.
So it was not a decision took lightly, pondered it loads, and had real doubts when ordered but from what seen of the TCR on all the reviews and some in the very wet it is coming across as being quite capable in all areas with that VAQ differential dragging the car around bends supremely well. everyone stating its a great drivers car.
Been on this forum a while now and not many GTI owners feel anything but love for their ride and sure if that was not the case, this is the place you would hear the moans.
Another tug for me was the heritage, always wanted a GTI since a kid and there was definitely the thinking that if passed on this version then it will never happen.
So, I too understand what you are saying as its been in my own head and the proof will only be in the driving and living with and we shall see how feel about the switching then in terms of drive - Of course there is some other adds for me as get the MK 7.5 lifts as well as the TCR trimmings and now it seems the Akrapovich - It will be a nice place to sit and live with for 3 years, now quite excited to be getting it and have something different.
So for me its not a competition with the R, I am its biggest fan, just been eulogising about an amazing drive around the some of the best parts of this country, I am just open to seeing what experience there is for me in the TCR