I'd echo what Exonian said regarding the GTI. I had a 2015 PP manual and it feels great at first, once you have decent tyres to cure the lack of traction when pulling away, a decent bit of go but, once you hit about 5k revs it suddenly gives up. Whilst for me that was rarely a problem, when it did happen it spoilt the drive. So I swapped to a TCR which has a 290PS version of the R engine, basically the same, and whilst it doesn't have that instant pull like the PP, the power keeps coming up the rev range and makes for a more exciting drive. Downsides, thirst and it's only in DSG.
An R for me is lacking a bit in the looks but that engine is fantastic. Not too much power at all, I'd say it would make a great daily. I haven't driven an R though so can't comment on how it feels versus a GTI so you'd probably be best getting a test drive in both.
For both models, be aware of the clutch which can slip and waterpumps/thermostat housings do start to leak around 40k miles and could be £800ish to replace so check if it has been done and if not, expect it.
Both are great cars and generally reliable but different, only you can decide which is best!