having read on here, other forums for info and thinking about it more, the R32 DSG mk5 seems quite appealing.
Yup, the Mk5 R32, with the DSG will indeed be a cracking car. But if driven hard, then I reckon it will use quite a bit more juice compared to your TT with the 1.8 20vT. But as Hurdy rightly points out, the 4wd traction on the R32 will make the driving experience a little more 'refined' - and be a little more forgiving, when compared to the more lively dynamics of the GTI.
