I have just been on the VW website and configured an R and a GTI to the spec that I have on my car at present.
The R came in at £37,545.00 and the GTI at £31,065.00, now I know that a remap is not going to cost me anywhere near £6000 so if it were me I would go for the GTI and get a decent remap done on it.
In my view the R whilst no doubt a great car to drive is no looker, whereas the GTI does have a certain head turning impact which always puts a smille on my face.
Could I afford an R? probably, would I consider an R? probably not. But then I am as tight as a ducks a**e and also deeply in love with my GTI.
Gizzy