Goes on sale in Ireland in December and starts at €53000..! That's a €20000 premium over the GTI here.
I agree the four pipe exhaust is overkill for a four cylinder engine, and I'm not so keen on the silver mirrors and trim on the front bumper. I'm going to the Frankfurt show next month so hopefully will get a proper look at it then.
It's a bit odd that the GTI has a more aggressive sporty front end than the R?