I couldn't give a monkeys, but buddy (yawn) hog is convinced the GTI is from his responses
I was merely helping the OP make decision, as one who actually drives a 7 speed, not one who reads a lot.
Mate we have a Mk7 GTI as well, and you know pound for pound the R is the best alround car in the world ever for true pistonheads laugh:
Seems everyone knows this apart from Some GTI owners, I'd best leave you lads to it until you eventually get one.
I waited 70 years!!