If the space of the vrs is not your primary factor.....Then Golf, Golf and Golf.

Had one totally awesome bit of kit, an absolute wolf in sheep's clothing.

The 4x4 for getting the traction down is second to none, you cannot compare it against any two wheel drive car. Even my 150bhp Golf can't get useable power down in the damp/wet, where my R just flew without any slip sliding around or the traction control light coming on.

Only my opinion :)

If the space of the vrs is not your primary factor.....Then Golf, Golf and Golf.

 

This is why the Golf R Estate exists! All of the same fun as the Golf R hatch with the same boot space as the Octy hatch +/- a few litres. Did I say I love mine? IT IS the perfect car. Scientific FACT :)

However, I am pining for the Golf R and seriously considering getting one... If I got the R, my fuel cost would increase by £1500 a year

Ah, yes, the ONLY reason for hesitating (well, that and purchase price too, obv!). Claimed mpg on the Golf is 40. This is unachievable in my opinion. In situations where I could get 52+ in my remapped 170 VRS TDI I get 34 in the Golf. Where I used to get 44 in the Octy, I get 30 in the Golf. (And if you drive it like a real hooligan you could see 20... allegedly). So you'll need to factor in an economy drop to 2/3 of your current mileage WHEN (not if) you're working out cost to change :)

But is it worth it? For the feeling of being back in a car that loves to rev (unlike a grunty but really boring diesel)? And the better refinement? Lower road noise? Superb handling? Limpet like grip? Lack of wheelspin on slightly damp roads? I spent 3.5 years *enduring* my Octy, persuading myself that mpg was really important, in fact the only thing that really mattered (due to my annual mileage of 23k). A remap made no difference to the lazy diesel dullness - they just aint fun.

After spending 4 months with the Golf R Estate... they're going to have to bury the keys with me...