Those of you who say that the real issue affecting the price of the GTI and R models is the exchange rate are, of course, absolutely right. The only way VW UK can get around the expected high price of the R is by offering more standard equipment. So while the R will be more expensive, it should come well loaded.
In Germany, the R gets xenons, park assist without camera, 18" alloys etc. I am interested to see what we'll be offered, but suspect that the UK will get ACC thrown in too. The base price I've seen is £28,500. So if you want a DSG version with leather and Satnav, then I reckon you'll be looking at £32,500. That actually compares quite well to a fully loaded standard GTI, which with everything is around this price!
Those of us who bought VR6's in 1992 also winced at the price back then (£19,600). But that car was still comfortably serving up driving thrills 10 years later. The BMW Z3 I replaced it with was in no way a sports car, so then I bought a BMW M3 instead at £42K. Although monstrous in performance terms, it proved to be unreliable, expensive and difficult to live with as a daily driver. (People never let you out when turning onto main roads!) So I'm coming home to VW and frankly, I can't wait.
BTW, this new AWD system sounds as if it's going to be very good. in my book, that alone makes the R a worthwhile step-up from the GTI.
