2019 VW Golf R vs Mercedes A-Class // Tech Fights Performance

[@jamesengelsman9369]

Hey everyone thanks for watching. Just so you know we don't get the AMG variant here yet. But since these were price matched (and the AMG is probably going to be ~$60K CAD) and some of the only AWD hatch options in Canada, we GON AND DUN IT. Enjoy

[@WhiteGoldSynesthesia]

THEY ONLY GON AN DUNNIT

[@elaxtenband2c516]

THEY GON AND DUN IT LADS!

[@Vittra0]

A35 AMG seems to be positioned as a direct Golf R competitor and should be similarly priced. A45 & A45 S will be in that higher price bracket though.. if we get them.

[@danisantabarbara5931]

James Engelsman I’d choose the Golf R because of how inconspicuous it looks before it pulls out like an RS4. Great review guys, thanks a lot.

[@dr.armanassadi5736]

I'm looking forward to see you with 2019 BMW 3 series, C class and A4. Thanks

[@thomasmoriarty1645]

James and Thomas all your videos at Throttle House are perfectly instructive, fun to watch and most of all, I appreciate the fact your comments are real, not guided by PR of car companies like Car Guides out there seems to be. Thanks guys and continue your good work !!

[@broski464]

Golf R all day everyday! I just bought one, so much fun!

[@knightridder2002]

me 2 for the Golf R

[@AmsterdamSam]

boringggg, buy an alfa romeo if you want fun

[@broski464]

@@AmsterdamSam Sounds like fun, if you like having reliability issues.

[@ballathug8404]

Keep an eye on your coolant level. Look it up Johnny

[@sam...4299]

Facts😍👍

[@hellboy1976]

Man, that blue (and the Cornflower Blue on the GTI Rabbit) make me second-guess my Lapiz blue choice. Beautiful colours!

[@synysterdemon]

The Lapiz blue is really nice. I wouldn't regret your choice, you got an R ;)

[@ethanDAboss11]

Yeah I also have lapiz blue. I got my R last May and I absolutely love it to pieces but now that they have the 40 colors in the US, part of me wishes I waited a tad bit longer. Although, I was already waiting over a year for VW to bring over the facelifted MK 7.5 with the digital gauge cluster to the US. I'm happy with my choice.

[@hellboy1976]

@@synysterdemon True, and I realize how lucky I am. I'm mostly annoyed at my own decision-making practice. Somethings blind me to others and I miss out on making a more sound choice for myself. But, that being said, I get to drive an R and it's truly a fun drive!

[@hellboy1976]

Be as careful as possible with the paint. The Lapiz is a very soft colour, and I already had a tiny swirl corrected (my own fault),.

[@TheSinMOG]

@@hellboy1976 Your stinking telling me! That paint is so damn easy to scratch! I got fed up with the correction and upkeep and got the whole front end clear bra'd. Then I got the entire car ceramic coated with CeramicPro. As my daily driver which sits outside all the time this was the best and most reasonable way to protect the car. I'm loving the results.

[@Lukaszsiu]

"What's real anymore?". That made me laugh. Well, subscribed.

[@joeljeffrey9139]

"It's Mocha Anthracite Metallic!!" - James Engelsman, 2019

[@eitanrapp]

4:10 WTF is up with those eyes?!?

[@saadchennafi7488]

😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂

[@khvidtube1617]

And your eyes too! You have a quick eye.

[@CTG4-b3x]

I'd pick the a class, quick enough for me and I really like the style and tech

[@basithph8958]

We need Throttle House and TheStraightPipes collab!

[@matthewlongtin4148]

I could imagine the intro now!

[@pappyodanial]

I feel like that would be like smashing hydrogen atoms together. Not good.

[@caglioso]

Respectfully disagree. I like the dynamic of TH and wouldn’t want it soiled by the other Canadian duo.

[@BMWROYAL]

BASITH PH straight pipes doesn’t give real reviews they feel more like ads

[@kevinn6882]

They are the same people.

[@mehdiremidi8632]

eaaaaaaaasy choice GOLF R .. if it was A35 then it would be difficult to choose

[@hazzaknox1069]

A35s are a lot duller to drive... i'd keep with the r of I was looking for a fun car. A250 4Matic wins me over overall though! 👍

[@BGD.2980]

I have a 2019 Golf R in white and it's sweet!

[@stephenmoss7619]

I really looked at these two cars when I was in the market and actually bought a Golf R DSG in 91 Blue and absolutely love it! The thing with the R is you can make a couple very easy modifications and gain gobs of power and it is actually fun to take to the track. The Mercedes looks good and has a great interior, but these ultimately should attract 2 very different buyers.

[@sachemrock]

I agree with Thomas and James, it’s like splitting hairs as the cars are so comparable in most categories. As much as I love the Golf R as kind of the gold standard for hot hatches I think I would select the Mercedes for the higher level of tech and the luxurious cabin! Another great review, I love these guys!

[@westonite210]

Great cars to compare, really interesting! I’ve got a GTI and I was still on the fence after seeing that Mercedes’ interior

[@sneakersonfeet9045]

You guys are TOP NOTCH....one of the best channels on KZbin

[@alwaysiyi272]

The intro killed me again as usual. Mocha anthracite metallic. lmaoo. You guys are the best.

[@ThuliSetlhapo]

7:40 Funniest comparison i've ever heard... Potholes from the moon :v

[@andyp8464]

A35 is what you need to compare to the golf R and is price matched to the golf. not some silly A250

[@cyrose1935]

Completely agree although they do not have the A35 in North America yet - although i might be wrong

[@omarsabbouh1237]

Just wait for the a45 and a45s

[@Km12345rrrr]

Batata they are like 15-20 k more

[@razah5927]

Batata a45s is with the rs3 and the bmw m2 much more expensive than the r it blows the r away

[@komentierer]

But the A35 is far more expensive

[@adamwright9741]

@ 4:09 you need to put that eye of yours in a horror movie... LOL

[@michaeladamowicz6782]

Haha yeah thought the same thing

[@billyhughes9776]

Golf R all day man,....come on.

[@reflexfusion9830]

I’ll take performance over tech

[@HaultRxst]

A45s has both and A35

[@nikomoin7604]

@@HaultRxst well the a45 is way more expensive

[@chrismunsey3185]

Chris Harris says Golf R.....I go with Golf R!

[@iancanuckistan2244]

Did I hear someone saying sorry? Sorry I brought that up. I'll take fun to drive over luxury every time.

[@nicholasdupre6916]

4:10 James’ bulging eye through the steering wheel spoke 🤣

[@elusivellama]

I'd love to get a Golf R, but it's not something I'd like to own out of warranty. This does not detract in any way from the quality of this video and the editing work though, such a treat to watch.

[@DOMg00g]

Since we don't get the A250 hatch in the states, the Golf R is a no brainer. Also, the novelty of the Merc's tech would wear off, whilst the fun factor of the R would not get old.

[@edak1]

Absolutely! The interior tech is nice to show off and passengers will say it's really nice, but when I get into my R it makes me smile every time because as you say, it's fun! That's what is important to me as a driver.

[@SuperPurplePistachio]

Saying sorry repeatedly was hilarious 😂😂😂😂

[@JeffKing310]

Yash Tamhane That’s what Canadians do. Sorry about that.

[@SmokeyBear464]

Your intros kill me and i love them! Y’all are my new favorite channel.

[@giancarlo_rc]

I just can get enough of this channel, LOVE IT 🔥🔥🔥

[@Jakaah95]

Would probably grab the Golf R if I had to choose, but man the Mercedes interior design and tech is something else

[@im.weasel]

The thing I love so much about VW and how they build the GTI and Golf is tunability. They tune so damn well. A stock GTI and Golf R is pretty awesome, but all you gotta do is a stage 1 tune on either of them and you get massive gains. Close to 100 extra horse power and torque. Its amazing. The stock components handle everything like it was supposed to have that power.

[@neilhutton1528]

Great review with really good points made. For I think the Mercedes A35 is a better comparison to the Golf R and that is the choice I'm thinking about at the moment. Keep up the good work chaps.

[@AP-wu1rv]

MY GOODNESS THE GOLF R LOOKS SO GOOOD Especially in the Blue

[@lt.facepalm9566]

I got the A220 sedan myself. Really nice place to be in, listening to some 80s synthwave at night. Totes recommend.

[@naeemdoola3640]

Hi, just took delivery of a A250 AMG, wow the interior and interface is awesome, my other car is a 2017 GTI and the 2 compliment each other perfectly The Mercs party piece is the multi beam DRL lights It like a curtain opening and closing over the dark patches Hey Mercedes going to quit the job with my kids cross questioning every few seconds

[@normanran3589]

for you A250, when you safety stop at light, after 1-2 sec, do you feel your brake pedal starting to sink?

[@zildmaster]

Golf R. I've always wanted a VW hatchback and I currently drive a dual clutch vehicle. A VW dealer near me offers a lifetime powertrain warranty on thie R, so it's making a strong case for my next car. Love your channel guys!

[@stephenhendricks103]

Easy choice for me. The "R." The MB is beautiful but I love a hatch and that makes the "R" (slightly) more available here in the US than the MB.

[@davehenry435]

Apparantly the Spectrum range of color option has just been dropped for Canada. Probably not enough orders which caused very long wait times for the special colors. I guess the 3k extra was too much for most. Great review guys.

[@davidkirby484]

Great job. The comparisons are most informative.

[@psiturbo]

I really like the casual review format, ty very much.

[@alexhelton5886]

Those collective I’m sorry’s really made me(an American) feel much better. Thankyou Throttlehouse

[@terribletelevision6980]

Really close call! After watching I am not sure what I would pick. The fun of the drive every day or the luxury every day. Either one seems good!

[@HappyCod43]

Oh I laughed so hard on James's face expression in intro!

[@glennhkboy]

I kept the standard seat cover instead of the AMP Sport option. I personally feel the standard seat cover is more upscale-ish.

[@bmjforbes]

Grew up with Mercedes. Had a Golf for a city runabout. Here in Canada, the best is the R - which I bought a few months ago - in Gingsta Yellow! (I wanted people to be warned a long way off - also easy to find in the parking lot)... IT. IS. GREAT. Got the manual because I like to row, but was really impressed by the DSG at the dealer. Fun to throw about on the back roads in Ottawa. Love It!

[@hellboy1976]

Blue envy aside, I love my Golf R so far (bought new a month ago). Fast, fun as hell, and practical enough. I'm coming from 3 Infinitis over the past 12 years, and felt I needed to try something new, and couldn't be happier. Well, less piano black if only because I have mild OCD and can't accept dust, so I have a microfibre at the ready constantly :/

[@ODH3]

Agreed! What's with bloody piano black? I too keep a dusting accessory handy, but I would rather collect the dust and dump it on the interior design department at VW

[@hellboy1976]

@@ODH3 On the one hand, I like it, but it's seemingly frail with regards to scratches, and yes dust. I think they could have used it as an accent at best. Take a page from Audi in how they approach their interiors. Same restraint, no piano black :P

[@DonsShed]

Hey Clark W :) do you have any issues seeing outside with the Digital Screen at night? I heard it can be too bright?

[@hellboy1976]

@@DonsShed I haven't found it to be too bad, though I haven't been on any long nighttime drives, so I'm not sure if there would be more eye fatigue from it, but it can be dimmed a bit. Take note if you're buying one, the performance gauges on the centre screen (G-Force, Boost Pressure, etc.) only come equipped with the Driver Assist package. I did not know this, and I'll be damned if it's stated anywhere on the site. It's a little thing, but I was disappointed when instead of a cool G-meter, I was greeted with a "Blue driving trainer". Yeah, because that's why I bought a Golf R, to be economical :P

[@DonsShed]

@@hellboy1976 Thanks for that :) Yer, I think we (in Australia) get the Driver Assist Package as standard, but thanks for the tip anyway :) Over here the only Options are Sunroof and Audio Package

[@trevormcculloch5011]

Which one would you buy used today now that the warranties are running out on them? Late to the show but great content here. Thanks

[@gotahave]

Golf R because I already have a 2016 one. But I've taken it to the next level with APR stage 2+. I'd love to drive the A250 [love the looks and interior] but don't want to give up the performance. I'm 71 but not dead yet.

[@mikenormandy9250]

This is an easy one for me, Type-R for sure! - Oh wait, JK! - Hands down the Golf R! - It's between an AWD luxury hatch or an AWD fast hatch that has a really upscale interior - GOLF R for sure! ;-)

[@nolongerhuman13]

I already have the R. And I can’t wait to get out of work daily, just to drive her home. I have the manual and it’s a blast. Also stage 1 APR tune and the car is an absolute beast

[@221988bryan]

NoLongerHuman13 how is your stock clutch holding

[@gabruiz8456]

After a month of going back and forth with the two, Ive decided to go with the a250 amg line! the tech in the a250 is far more superior than the golf R. I know its not as fast but its very similar to the golf GTI - decent for daily driving. Its not like im going to take my Golf R on a track anyway. An ecu remap with custom catback will give a bit of uhmf to the a250 making the car more fun to drive. Picking up the new a250 in 3 days. I can't wait.

[@SilverScarletSpider]

4:09 help 😂😂😂

[@SilverScarletSpider]

Fast performance AWD hatches are amazing. Ford, Mitsubishi, Subaru, please come back your hatches were beautiful! Honda, can you pretend to try AWD? You’ve already perfected Acura’s SH-AWD, give it a racing performance application

[@LouisEguchiWale]

I like the idea of price match head to head

[@8765daks]

Own a 18 Golf R in 91 Blue with a dsg and 0 complaints. They are such a mod friendly car it's crazy, while being an amazing DD.

[@patriquemansour6461]

You guys deserve a lot more subs !!!

[@Nathdood]

Wow. ZERO dislikes. Love to see it

[@JustARandomGuy-1234]

I really wish Mercedes offered the A-Class hatchback here in America, I absolutely love my a220 4matic sedan, but the hatchback would be great for the added practicality.

[@marcoaureliogomesdossantos971]

Mercedes all the way. Technology, comfort, style . I get that the R is more of a fun drive car, but as a everyday car, the Mercedes gives so much more and it is also powerful.

[@IAmLeutrimTopalli]

the sorry america part was so funny lmfao

[@tims9294]

4:10 The eye of Thundera

[@ckneasel]

I’m a recent MB convert and I LOVE everything they are doing, but if I were to choose between these 2 it’d be the Golf because I need power over insane luxury right now... Luckily the GLC63 fits both bills and that’s the direction I’m heading... 🤪

[@DonsShed]

I'm finding it hard not to go to the MB Dealer here and buy a GLC63!!! I'm in love with them!!! BUT, now I'm trying not to spend too much money on my car, as I mainly only travel 12kms per day to/from work. LOL :) I bought a new ML63 in 2012 and have missed it ever since I sold it..... so a GLC63 would be great. Good Luck :)

[@edbredin6406]

Thanks Lads for the excellent Review, but it's the Mercedes all the way with me, I am getting one please God in 2020

[@KLm912]

You guys are awesome. But you could have demonstrated the interior of the Mercedes more, especially the interior lighting which is unique in this class

[@acaposta]

I love my ‘17R and can’t think of a better daily in the Finger Lakes (NY).

[@caglioso]

You guys totally deserve a sponsor or some sort of kickback from Sherwin Williams.

[@hotsky83]

Love this channel! Always awesome videos

[@ThePedalDance]

Been Golf R shopping for some time now. Almost ready to pull the trigger:)

[@modernbride]

Wait for the mk8 Do not get mk7 Trust me it has flaws

[@ZackWolfMusic]

What is mk8 model

[@modernbride]

johnson mk8 is mark 8 , 8th generation golf. It has updated MQB platform which is supposed to absorb the potholes better and a smoother ride along with faster everything of course

[@ZackWolfMusic]

@@modernbride sounds like it will cost more than $40k

[@modernbride]

@@ZackWolfMusic yes indeed But if you need a car that is a sleeper and under dog and is capable of keeping up with a Porsche and occasionally faster than most race cars, then you need a golf R . Otherwise get a GTI only if you dont drive faster than 120 miles per hour . I did 154 in my golf r many many times

[@ArtcoPhotography]

You guys should have compared the Mercedes with the Audi A3 2.0 tfsi Quattro version as it’s more similar in price and power to the merc.

[@slooriginal1727]

Yeah I prefer the merc

[@colemitchmtb]

Thomas in the background at 4:10 lmaoo

[@tigerbalm666]

I'll take a Golf with Merc interiors!

[@pjb9010]

Thats an Audi S3

[@Carlos-ib6gl]

That's why they made the A35 and soon A45 S. 😁

[@mkviis]

That's so gay

[@Locknuts84]

Sounds like we should wait for the new golf R next year. Best of both worlds (hopefully).

[@VisualFrequency13]

@11:33 "Wanna get destroyed in the interior section?" Loll

[@loki_wolff]

I’d probably save money and get the Rabbit Edition GTI in cornflower blue. But I would love a Golf R one day.

[@GradzCia]

I had to make exactly the same decision a few months ago. I tried both (Merc A250 and Golf R). I finally opted for VW for 3 main reasons: - I already had 2 Golf (City and GTI) so I am faithful to the brand . - The driving of the Golf is much more pleasant. We feel good the road. Mercedes is like driving a boat - I find that the Mercedes have TOO MUCH technologic, Hey, you can change the ambiant color..... yeah?? so??? I hated the dashboards; it's like the engineers are saying "fuck it, we'll just put 2 ipad one next to the other". It's been 2 weeks since I have my Golf R and I have no regrets

[@SK-fn5qm]

Graziano Ciampa beautifully said, to this day I just don’t get the fuss about all this ambient lighting, who does Mercedes think they are “Philips” they need to stay in their lane and create a better car at the market this particular review model is going for. VW all the way.

[@tvaudits]

As if anyone over the age of 25 can show their face in public in a VW golf, "Yea but its a quick one" 🙄 nobody cares

[@SK-fn5qm]

Vince Lowe you must be from the states, go and own a Golf and then come back to me you numpty. What a stupid comment to say. It’s people like you that don’t understand real cars.

[@tvaudits]

@@SK-fn5qm Ha, no i'm not. I was a harsh comment. VW isn't too bad. I have stuck to Audi's for my last few cars (A3, S3, A6) but thinking about Mercedes next as the MBUX is years ahead. I do like a good hot hatch but the golf R looks a bit like a kids car (boy racer), maybe i'm too vain about it.

[@SK-fn5qm]

Vince Lowe was a little harsh but hey I like a good debate. I get your point, VW is always looked at as a lower class brand, I mean don’t get me wrong I wouldn’t own any other model but the golf gti or R and quite frankly it if ain’t got leather, 4 doors and a pano roof with 19’s at the minimum then yes it’s a boy racer. If your going to go for a Merc not my first choice go for nothing less than a A35 or wait for the 45. They look nice without that hideous wing, golfs are boy racer cars yea lol sure. With that wing on the merc and the ambient lighting, it looks like something you would have found in toysrus. Get an RS3 Saloon 👌🏼

[@brixtonmack10]

Only just discovered these two. Love them so far

[@jamesengelsman9369]

M2_shellz thanks mate! Glad to have you with us!

[@ElijahsAba]

You guys are great. Thanks.

[@MrKennethhermansen]

They R’s power is undoubtedly great, but for daily driving, the tech of the A-class wins for me. And it’s 200-something HP is just fine

[@bobnicholson9821]

Great review guys. Gold R for me.

[@jeremytd7072]

I’ve been itching to watch this video all day. Finally did while the grill heated up and with a drink in hand! Tough choice. Just put ‘em both in my driveway and call it a day.

[@tommyolsen8224]

Want the new A-Class 😍

[@rybalchenkofamily]

its honestly too bad we dont get the Audi RS3 Sportsback in Canada anymore

[@spurrellz]

I currently have a focus ST and these are actually 2 that I’m considering and you guys hit all the points exactly. I’ve basically decided to just wait for the mk8 golf R

[@jamesengelsman9369]

Could be a few years but probably worth it!

[@CarandRacer]

Destined for stardom boys...another great production!

[@ericmichel3857]

That Mercedes interior is pretty sweet but I bought a Golf R (used 2017 DSG with 20K on it, like new, for $31K USD). It is good but with a few relatively cheap and easy modifications it transforms into amazing! What I did and highly recommend: 1. Plugin JB4 with bluetooth $520 adds 70-80 hp and is an absolute hoot! I have achieved 3.8 sec 0-60 and 12.0 @ 114 MPH 1/4 mile 2. K&N drop in filter $55 3. BMS pedal tuner $180 OMG this is a must have,! 4. Carbon fiber paddle shifters $180 (ECS tuning) you can get much cheaper but for something you see and touch everyday, you want these! Then for handling with these mods I would put this up against an RS or Type R any day of the week and yet it is still very comfortable. 1. White line aluminum Lower control arm $420 (adds caster and camber) 2. Super Pro fixed camber plates $300 (with LCA give 2.5 degrees of fornt camber) 3. GC coil over 475/550 springs $425 4. Eurocode front/rear sway bars $325 5. wheel alignment 0 to slight toe out in front, with 2.5 negative camber and 9 degrees of caster, rear .05 toe in with 2 degrees camber. I do all my own work (including wheel alignment) so for $2350 this thing is ridiculously fast, the turn in, front grip, and steering feel are next level. The car is so balanced now and an absolute blast to drive even on the street at legal speeds (well more or less)! The ride is firmer but still very comfortable and in some ways better in my opinion, for example with the stock suspension I found if you hit a big dip at speed you can crash on the bump stops fairly easy (which is not pleasant), but with the much stiffer springs you get a mild thunk whereas stock would be a loud harsh bang. I wish you guys could try a Golf R with these mods, I think you would be blown away by how much potential this platform has, and how much the factory dialed out for no good reason in my opinion. Yes you can mod the Type R and the RS, but will they improve much from where they already are with similar mods? I don't think so, but with this car... I have on order some 18x9 rims and plan to get some 255/35/18 PS4s, can't wait to see what those are like! Funny thing is you can get much cheaper tires at this size compared to stock sizes, must be a much more common size so...

[@stephentran6874]

Should of waited the Mercedes A 35 AMG with the golf R tbh

[@jamesryanwigley]

Currently researching how to import an A-class hatch to the US... I had no idea they got the hatch in Canada!

[@robloxiandino4454]

They are different cars if u want a hot hatch choose gold if u want luxery choose a class

[@sanadaHIRO]

we need that A35 for a good comparison .

[@DzekoTV401]

I sold my S4 and got R 2019 toronado red!It is worth every penny plus some 👌

[@reubthedude4538]

Gotta remember a base merc basically comes with nothing decent

[@duncanjacobs402]

“Potholes imported from the moon” 🤣🤣🤣

[@pulanala1421]

LOL

[@Scoharr]

How about an Audi A3 Quattro or S3 against the Merc A-class?

[@B-Rok88]

Love the channel! My one and only critique as a gti owner is the storage space comment on the R vs the A250 as the golf platform has nearly 25% more storage space over the merc. (seats down or up) Also the comment on the shifters was legit! They feel cheap and the first thing you buy for it is new black metallic paddles (easy to install and cheap since theres tons of options)

[@jamesengelsman9369]

The Golf R actually has less space than the other Golfs due to the AWD system as I understand it

[@B-Rok88]

@@jamesengelsman9369 holy shit you actually replied. It goes down by 1 cubic foot when you switch to the R. Still nearly a 25% difference over the merc. I almost feel ashamed trying to correct you as you guys are my favorite car review channel. Much love from the states

[@jamesengelsman9369]

@@B-Rok88 My research is showing that the A250 has more space with the seats up and only slightly less when the seats are down. No worries about correcting us. I'd rather have it right for the future than be in denial

[@B-Rok88]

@@jamesengelsman9369 52.7 cu ft on the R and 43 on the a250 hatch. Maybe it's a bit diff in the states who knows. Either way great video and you're the car reviewer so I'll back down knowing you've been researching cars longer :)

[@MrRea112]

Golf R for me. Too much fun to miss out on!!

[@aminelekmiti]

you should compair it with the A35 + i think we should wait to the golf 8 which will be available in the end of the year

[@HCD488]

yes but first in a normal 150 HP version ...the GTI and the R will not be availble before july

[@CarsofGlasgow]

great video guys, having currently owned the golf mk7, id go for A class for the interior

[@rehatorun]

Golf R for sure! @Thomas the digital cockpit in the Golf and Jetta are not the same (unfortunately)..the one in the Tiguan and Golf are the same and it is better than the one in Jetta.

[@mikeburton8426]

I shopped these two cars together because they were about the same price and similar in dimensions. It wasn’t even close. The Golf R is more fun and athletic. The Mercedes has a nicer interior but the golf r is... nice enough and just a better all around car in my opinion. 4 months in, I’m very happy with my. Golf R.

[@longbowdt]

I'm still loving on my old MK6 golf R. I know it's a reworked MK5 R (mainly the engine swap, and newer Haldex), but it's a pretty good rework, tbh. A very good road car for trips, and equally good at point-and-shoot city driving. It's lower in tech than the Mk7 R, and did not offer a DCT in the US variant for the two years it was in the lineup. But limited numbers of the MK6 R mean it's a rare-bird-sighting sort of car. AND! And it's been really inexpensive to own outside the warranty. Reliable too (though I just replaced the start-stop button for my first major issue with the car since new in July of 2013). So certainly I would have the newer R's superior sporting potential over my dad's Mercedes A-Class, and I'm 69! :D When driven with sporting intent, it's not about the luxurious shiny bits, but rather the driving dynamics that hold the key to ownership in my book. R FTW The only time I'd consider a DCT.Any other choice would be a manual.

[@Jonsk111]

longbowdt i think mk6 r looks the best. Mk5 gti owner here, great platform.

[@longbowdt]

@@Jonsk111 I agree about the looks. Sort of subtle-aggressive. The GTi always seemed to look more sporty than my R, which I think looks more serious. :)