Had a 66 plate MK 7 R for 3 years, then a 69 Plate TCR for 3 years, and our second car is now a MK 7.5 2019 R and can safely say from that experience, that they are all just different flavours of very good, with no decision for any being wrong.
The original R had the 6 speed DSG, the facelift has the 7 speed DSG, which seem to allow better ratio for Race, and so was more drivable on local roads in that setting (MK 7 hung onto gears too long) Aside from that, the drive of early and facelift R is pretty comparable. The Facelift R has the digital display and upgraded media and is overall better package than the MK 7, but its not a chasm, and anyone would be pretty much equally happy in a MK 7/7.5
The TCR has 290 BHP, so you get all the grunt of the R, it does not run out of puff as was mentioned, it just keeps pulling, and though there is some slippage at extreme pull aways, the TCR brilliantly handles that extra power, and its a fast, agile experience from being FWD and lighter overall. Mine had the performance pack with the DCC, and comfort was too soft, it pretty much stayed in normal. TCR is a great car to drive, and if the prices were not so premium I would have one in a heartbeat when my own BMW 128Ti goes back next year.
However, for £4-5k less, you can get a similarly specced, mileage Golf R and with the extra power, and AWD, you are really getting more of a car.
As stated, its different flavours of great, the lighter more agile TCR with a little bit of liveliness on front end, or the rapid, assured, on rails experience R gives you. Shame cannot have both, and switch on mood (if enough ££'s are available, I might be in that position)
At time, my heart would say, get the TCR, you know you loved it, my logic will say, save a few thousand and get the ultimate Golf experience of an R (Likely look for 3 door to be different to what already have)
