The hardest choice of all: GTI or R?

[Tailpipe]

I have been amazed by the new Golf, particularly the new GTI. Having done my homework carefully versus other brands (Audi, Ford, BMW and Mercedes-Benz), the Golf makes a compelling case for itself. It is the perfect blend of everyday practicality, economy and performance. The sheer quality of everything makes it desirable in a way no VW has been for some time IMHO. Pound for pound, I cannot think of any other car that offers more bang for your hard-earned bucks. So, I was just about ready to order one, when along comes the Frankfurt Motor Show and the Golf R.

(Excuse me while I pick up my jaw off the ground.)

Stunning in the looks department with 270 bhp and AWD, the Golf R has a subtlety that reminds me of President Roosevelt’s famous quote: “Speak softly but carry a big stick”.

If money is no object, does the Golf R make a cast iron case for itself? Maybe, but I’m not yet convinced. The GTI is so rounded in so many ways, I just wonder whether the Golf R compromises some of its best qualities. For example, the GTI offers incredible economy. Even when you’re pushing on, 30 mpg is still quite achievable. But with the R, the extra oomph and weight of the Haldex AWD system is likely to reduce consumption to about 25 mpg in the same conditions.

The suspension settings are also likely to be firmer, so maybe the ride won’t be as compliant or as cosseting on long journeys?

Given that the R like the GTI also uses a 2.0 litre turbo 4-cylinder engine, albeit tuned-up to extract an 60 extra horsepower, I can’t help thinking that its likely high price will erode the sense of value that a GTI provides.

I also keep hearing that the EA888 2.0 litre engine in the GTI (which has steel-linked fan belt versus R’s rubber, variable valve lift for increased efficiency and other worthwhile tweaks) is significantly better than the older EA113 engine used in the R. With greater stresses on the R’s engine, I wonder if it will have an equal longevity too?

Of course, it is hard to know how good (or not so good) the R is until it gets road tested by the auto magazines, but what do the Golf experts here think?

[R32UK]

In my opinion there will be a better Golf out quite soon after the R. So I would sit tight and get the GTi in the mean time.

[SilverChariot]

In my opinion there will be a better Golf out quite soon after the R. So I would sit tight and get the GTi in the mean time.

Ha ha... there speaks a man who's recently got a Mk6 GTI.

From someone who doesn't have a Mk6 GTI, wait until demonstrators of the Mk6 R are available. Then decide.

[Ess_Three]

From someone who doesn't have a Mk6 GTI, wait until demonstrators of the Mk6 R are available. Then decide.

That's the only way.

If they make the chassis as numb as the S3 with the same engine/transmission, the R will be boring to drive.
You'll have much more traction and power (but also more weight and running costs)...but no fun.

If they make it as good as the GTI to drive, but with more traction, and power...it'll be a belter.

Sadly, the only way to know is going to be to wait and drive an R, back to back with a GTI.

Personally, I prefer the interior of the GTI...and the looks.
But would want the power and traction of the R...if it comes with a chassis like the GTI - not the S3!

Only time will tell...

[R32UK]

They need to give it a R32 style setup.. great when you know how to drive it properly, otherwise its a total loon

Chassis will be the same as the S3 its just what they do to the setup of the suspension and ride that will be the big factor. S3 was boring, as it was just so efficient without the v6 soundtrack to match. Lets hope the R doesnt go that way... but like I said wait for the anninversary or special edition if you want the best golf out there (or when they fit the K04 to the new engine ).

[Tailpipe]

In my opinion there will be a better Golf out quite soon after the R. So I would sit tight and get the GTi in the mean time.

What do you mean, another Mk 6 Golf variant or the Mk 7? (If you're talking about the Mk 7 GTI, everything i've read tells me that it won't be coming out before 2013, although i'd love to be wrong.)

If another Golf Mk 6 variant is planned, I would be over-the-moon if they put the new 5-cylinder turbo from the TT-RS in it.

In the meantime, it is taking an age for VW UK to provide details on UK spec Rs.

[FamilyDub]

With greater stresses on the R’s engine, I wonder if it will have an equal longevity too?

Quite the opposite, I think. VW has used the older internals because they are proven and will be quite happy to absorb the extra ponies. See some MKV project threads; Hurdy or RedRobin, for examples of much higher outputs.

Given that the R like the GTI also uses a 2.0 litre turbo 4-cylinder engine...what do the Golf experts here think?

I think a lot of the character of the old R32's will be lost... Every former R32 owner seems to love the extra decibels the V6 chucked out and there's no way a four-pot will be as characterful.

ETTO, but in my own opinion, a MKVI GTi really has all the bases covered and I think it's better looking than the R. Shhh! 

[VWKev]

If you could afford an R and the running costs that goes with it then get it. Its a bit of a no brainer.

[FamilyDub]

If you could afford an R and the running costs that goes with it then get it. Its a bit of a no brainer.

The man has a point, too 

[Ess_Three]

If you could afford an R and the running costs that goes with it then get it. Its a bit of a no brainer.

What if you prefer how a GTI looks and drives?
Should you get the R then?
I think the R looks bland next to a GTI, and has a boring interior...so it would have to be one hell of a drive to sway me away from a GTI.

I seriously doubt the running costs will be much different in reality...it's down to which you prefer. Not which you can afford...as I'd wager the majority of people who spec a GTI at £28000ish with options could easily afford an R, if they want one.

Each to their own...but it'll be down to the drive for me...the cost difference is largely irrelevant.