Well, if I decide to say fata it and go with automatic, it does open up a huge world of options I'll have to start considering.
Honestly, step one is checking out the MK8 Golf R, I think. It actually looks super fun to drive, as you'd expect. Given that it's available in manual, I'd really be remiss to not at least check it out. I certainly don't mind a digital instrument cluster, so really it's just the infotainment I'd be annoyed with. At least with the "R" button on the steering wheel you can get to your drive modes instantly (dial or hard button would obviously be better).
There doesn't seem to be a perfect car from where I'm standing, so I'm compromising on something. My biggest (only?) compromise in my current car is the automatic transmission. Maybe a digital infotainment is a compromise I'm willing to make to have a more engaging daily experience with the stick shift on an R. I'll have to see in a month or two when I can get behind the wheel.
As for exterior looks, literally every single person says it looks good in person. I think the rear 3/4 view is the best looking Golf ever.
This video makes it look fun to drive and the VW rep says it's great, so there's that.
|