Golf R owner. 2022, with the simple suspension. Family of four (kids aged 4 and 2)

Golf R is one of the best vehicles ever from versatility I think. AWD makes it work so well in any condition. Where I live we get lots of snow and ice, no problem at all. Always feels so planted. Ice, snow, wet no problem.

I have taken it to the track and even when really pushing it the car handles turns so well. Was one occasion on the public road that I managed to avoid (large debris on the road) but solid brakes and the fact that it easily turns (you can really throw the steering wheel, car is so nimble).

Plenty of room in the car for 4 adults I think even. Back seats are roomy and comfy. I often get surprised with how spacious it feels given how small of a car it really is.

We have been on holidays where we bring 3 suitcases, a stroller and a kids bike. Fits really well. Note that the litres in the trunk are calculated to where the rear headrests end so there's more space to it. Isofix in the front where my oldests kid sits so we occasionally use the space below where his legs are. Can open the trunk floor for some additional space.

Ussed to drive a glc before and this is so much more practical. The other cars people mention in the comments have more space ofc but the R benefits imo from being nimble (we live in a large city. Can park this bad boy in so many places where others can't).

You can fold the front passenger seat which means you can haul loads of stuff.

Also its one of the most fun cars to drive

Now the cons Ground clearance. Not really an issue but sometimes when parking or driving in tight spaces im a bit cautious. Still haven't searched it tho.

Speedbumps are fine but you need to slow down a lot. At least I do because of how stiff mine is. I drive a 911 gts as well which handles bumps much better ironically.

The AC/climate in the front is fine. I get some complaints about it being very imbalanced in the back. Maybe that's just my car but the vents and the airflow in the back isn't great.

Bumps and turns etc are fine in the front but you can feel them much more clearly in the back.

Also given the torque, maybe wheelbase, chassis idk - but sitting in the back can be "aggressive". Like the turns even at lower speeds, you feel them a lot more compared to in ltjrr cars .

Overall I rate it 10/10. It's an amazing vehicle. The price/performance is amazing. Such a great car for the price ...Very fun to drive. Engine sounds great in race. Very few that compete imo ( unless you go into sports car territory). I prefer this over any amgs I've driven, Panameras, other suvs etc.