The Vette is 60k plus in the UK?? And a V8 not a 4 pot small family hatchback, not really a fair comparison.
Just found that out - see updated post. But over here at least it's interesting how VW prices itself. In Canada a GTI with PP and nav is probably going to be $35k, and we won't even be offered some things like your ACC adjustable ride or 8" HU screen. The new R will be about $40k going by the old one. - say 280hp, 280 torque. For another $12k the Vette has 455/450, pulls 1.1 Gs on the skid pad, 0-60 of 3.8 sec, and has staggering track performance with incredible tech. It will lap the Ring a minute quicker than an R, which is pretty amazing given the R isn't bad at 8:23.
VW may need to do what Nissan just did in the US on its 370 - chop its prices by a few thousand to remain competitive (which it should be able to afford once cheap Mexican production ramps up). It's missing its sales targets badly in NA atm and just lowered its expectations for its dealers.