I moved from a GTI to a scirocco TDI 170.
Can't comment on the R specifically, apart from the XDS system which mine also has (same as the R). It gives you so much more traction out of the corners and is about 80% of the way to a proper mechanical LSD
The body is slightly less practical than a 3rd golf, you can get 2 adults in the back, but 6ft tall guys will have their heads brushing the ceiling. The boot loading lip is higher which makes lifting large items in a little harder, but the boot is a decent size - nearly as big as the Golf's.
Gets a lot of looks on the road, and loads of comments at shows
Te interior is shared with the EOS, and IMHO looks better than the mk6 Golf