The hardest choice of all: GTI or R?

[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.

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.

But surely as it's faster, it must be better.

[Ess_Three]

But surely as it's faster, it must be better.

Sure, for some.
Faster than a re-mapped GTI though?

Or for those that want the boot space, and don't want to loose it with a shallow boot and a Haldex unit underneath?
The R maybe isn't for them...

Speed isn't everything...if it were, you'd have bought an Evo!

[VWKev]

But surely as it's faster, it must be better.

Sure, for some.
Faster than a re-mapped GTI though?

Or for those that want the boot space, and don't want to loose it with a shallow boot and a Haldex unit underneath?
The R maybe isn't for them...

Speed isn't everything...if it were, you'd have bought an Evo!

My Irony got lost on you there.

[Ess_Three]

I heard you Kev...sadly many seem to think faster is better.

I'd take a GTI, re-map it and spend the difference on tyres and petrol. 

[matchboy]

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

surely most differences between the two cars are irrelevant to you as you're only going to morrisons in it anyway 

[Snoopy]

The choice imo is down to the individual each person has there list of what they want or need.
Mine made the logical choice the GTI.

[Booski]

The gti is a great car but for me I'm going for the R
For AWD, more BHP, exclusivity (estimate 500 a yr)  

[gjf]

If the GTI is anything to go by then the R will be a great car no doubt. But in response to the question of most GTI divers could afford  to buy an R if they wanted to - Yes maybe true but where do you draw the line? I know i said when i payed for my GTI that it was about the Max i would spend on an everyday family hatch regardless of how good it is?

If VW release the R at the speculated prices of say 33/34k for a specced up car then i firmly believe they are competing with cars which are in the next class up. As a comparison thats top spec A5 money and not far off S5 money.  

Another way to look at it is at that price you can buy two brand new very good hot hatches - VXR, Civic Type R.

I just dont think i could part with that much wedge on a Golf! But i know it will sell loads.

[keelaw]

What is clear to me is that price will be a big factor - despite the OP's condition that money is no object, the reality is that is it a big object!

If the R is priced anything over 30k basic it simply isn't worth the premium over a GTI.

[R32UK]

^^ Agreed.


For me the GTI does almost everything, but its biggest flaw (for me) is its only FWD, so I would always opt for the AWD golf.. the fact that its faster and has a few more toys is a bonus. If im totally honest im not a big fan of the new front, the gti looks better.. but then it used against the old R too.

the AWD does take up alot of boot space but thats why I always opt for 5dr.. so i can drop the seats and still have plenty of easy to get to boot space.