From my position it just doesn't make sense financially for me to trade up to an R at this moment. The GTI cost me roughly £28,000 and is probably worth perhaps £20k - £21k (I don't know I'm just guessing). I still have approximately £7,000 of outstanding finance on the car. A discounted R would probably cost me close to £30k considering the options i would want. Just too much to lose after only 14 months ownership.
In addition, the release of the R was definitely a doh!! moment for me when VW announced the prices, i couldn't quite believe it was so closely priced to the GTI. I don't want to make the same mistake twice if they release the R400 and it's not anywhere as much as i am anticipating.
What could they add to the R400 that the R doesn't already have to bump up the price? It deserves Recaros or similar, add £2k over current seats, 19" wheels as standard - add a grand, bigger brakes and beefier clutch, add another £800, engine and turbo upgrades, add £2k. I think we could be talking £36k all done on the 3 door manual (if there is a manual).
For most changing to an R early, the biggest killer is loss on options, after the heavy year 1 drop in value on the basic car, most people on Solutions have a monthly payment that clears enough capital to clear the depreciation in the same period. A£350pm GTD is paying £100 interest and £250 capital against £250.a month ddepreciation. Whether it be 18 months or 3 years in, their equity in the car is likely to be about the same on a fair p/x price.