Still think the 5 rewards the driver more then the 7 does, The 7 is good as in terms of step foward in technology, but the mk5 still is a decent drive and I still prefer it over the mk6 in looks and driver feel.
Define "reward"...... I would personally be much better rewarded in a mk7 as its much more refined, better looking, more efficient, built with better materials, goes like stink and has a much better stereo.
On the flip side it's well over £30k and I'd have to finance it. Doesn't bother me as work provide me with allowance but if I only had say £8000 cash, I would love a mk5/6 Golf R or edition 30!
Rewarding as in..feedback, feel from what going on undeneath the seat of your pants. Being able to push a car on its limits and not a car thats too refined and a muted or numb feel from it.Having a Soundtrack played down its speakers in the 7R although is different, put for the purist, im sure isnt what your looking for in a thrilling drive.
Yes the 7R is 300bhp and has the smile factor but as with all these new models, having safety features that prevent you really pushing on would really cheese me off.
Also just because somethings new doesnt make it better always..The reason they stopped with the mk5 early was because it was too complex to build and costed VW too much in terms of build and cost to produce.