I owned one for a while, hands down the best ‘normal’ car I’ve ever driven. Back in a Golf R estate now, which in comparison, feels like a Golf with a reasonable amount of power as opposed to something a bit special.
The good:
Chassis is amazing
Engine has lots of character
Zero torque-steer
Gearbox is a joy
Brakes have loads of feel
The adaptive suspension means you can have it set however you want, although R is nowhere near as hard as people suggest
Front seats are really, really good
Fuel economy was okay (24 around the doors, 35-40 on the motorway)
The boot is pretty massive for what it is
The looks
The bad:
The radio/entertainment system is from 1980 – so frustrating to use
Some of the interior finishing is not great
Daft things annoyed me – no lights in the rear door cards, no cupholders in the back and only a two seat rear bench
No fixings for a roof rack
The looks
My wife was embarrassed to be seen in it – I’d have another in a heartbeat. I’ve had every Type R, and have a deposit down on an FL5 (reservations not actually open yet so means very little) – although the red carpet on the new one means it’s another one that won’t be a biking car…