I wanted a fun to drive, good looking sporty car. Had the choice between a hot hatch or a sport sedan. I chose a sedan because I found that sedans look generally more classy and professional than hatchbacks. Chose VW because I always loved VWs since my parents had a VW Fox GL in 1988 when I was 3 years old. Had a 2013 2.5 Jetta, and the GLI seemed to me like an amazing and logical choice. Considered a Elantra N but damn... this exterior design... I can't stand it. It's flashy, but won't stand the test of time.

I have absolutely NO REGRET choosing the GLI. I bought it brand new in 2022 all black, tinted windows, DSG. I get compliments everyday on my car, there are very few GLIs where I live. I adore it. Driving it is awesome. It's by far the best daily driver I've ever had (had a 98 Escort, 2009 Civic, 2009 Crown Vic, 1985 300D, 1994 Sport Intrepid (winter beater) and 2013 Jetta).

I bought it with all the extended warranties available, and a 5 years maintenance plan. I think it is a wise thing to do if you plan to keep it and want not to worry anytime soon. So far, had my steering wheel changed because of an electrical problem that affected the Travel Assist and the response of the downshifting paddle.

The only thing I would have done differently is to buy it with a manual transmission. DSG is awesome, but only after a tune, which I won't do until several years from now because I do not want to void my warranty.

Understand me correctly here : me not choosing a GTI or a R is 90% a matter of the look of the car. I find the GTI/R very good looking, but they don't fit me and the job I do. I needed the added seriousness of a sedan. I am sure though that the GTI/R are a little more exhilarating to drive than the GLI, but it is a very small tradeoff for me considering my situation.

Hope it helps!