I have an older GTI, have driven a new R, and spending an extra $15k for the R is just not worth it. Marginally faster than the GTI, and handling is a wash. The best AWD car built on that platform is by far the RS3. That car is just bonkers fast, the motor sounds amazing, and it corners and goes. Some will say that its not "special enough" for an RS car, but I'll disagree on that point. That car will shame most things on the road. Quite honestly, the only reason I didn't pull the trigger was price. Pushing high 60's out the door with tax was too hard to swallow, that's almost certified Porsche money. My wife, the voice of reason said "if you're going to spend Porsche money, just spend a little more and get a Porsche". God bless that woman. Reasonably priced certified ones should be available in a year though.
