Just from what I've read, seems that for the MKVI the GTI is the way to go. MKVI R was kind of blunt and dull, and probably not worth the extra coin over the GTI.
But for MKVII, VW really stepped up the R's game, making it a compelling buy, even over the already-great GTI.
(Just my Coles-Notes perception. Some reviewers obviously differ, like that video posted elsewhere.)
I would agree except that the tests of the GTI are always with the performance pack. In Canada, that offering comes with the DCC as well. The difference in pricing between the GTI with the PP, leather and Navigation and the Golf R is $3K, the latter of which gives you slightly different seats, 72hp more, AWD, and larger tires apart from some visual differences. The Golf R is a steal in comparison, unless one goes for the base GTI, where there is a significant price difference.
Yes, just looking at the Canadian site now and if I were shopping today I'd have to go with the 5-door Autobahn Performance GTI for $35,200. I'd be stuck with a bunch of stuff I don't want, but at least I could get cloth. R would be $39,995, so almost $5k more, but possibly worth it.
In a perfect world, I'd be able to get a 5-door spec'd just like the base 3-door for $27,995. Add say $3k for the performance pack, and I'd have my perfect GTI for around $31k. Not available now, but not impossible that something like that would be offered in a year or two. At $9k less than an R, and without all the stuff I don't want anyway (leather/sunroof/nav/giant rims), that would probably be my choice over the R.
But, as long as I'm dreaming, imagine if VW offered a stripped-down, performance-focused R for like $35-37k?
