I initially found the Golf boring, perhaps even ugly - but then it grew on me! Now I love the way it looks. Classic, subtle, not overstated, yet still with a hint of aggression. As I said, it's viewed as more of a sleeper. People who want a badass car without being noticed choose a Golf R. Not everyone wants to be noticed, and sometimes it's better not to be (like by the police). That being said, there is a very strong enthusiast/modding community for the Golf.
As for "what do people see in a Golf"...well, everything. They're just excellent all-around cars, above average in all aspects, with little to no weakness (especially the GTI and R models).
lol, I'm trying not to fanboy too much, but my original point was that it's not outlandish to compare a Golf R with a Stinger, and some people (like me) do cross-shop them. It really comes down to size. I wanted a compact car that seats 4 comfortably and has lots of space in the hatch.
Incoming long post.. Literally registered to post in this thread. I have a 2017 Golf R (only
mods being folding mirrors and dynamic LED tails) and i'm thinking of switching to a KIA Stinger. Biggest thing holding me back is last time i bought a new KIA for 35k it was worth not much a few years later.. Honestly they're a great comparison because they're both very amazing bang-for-your-buck cars. Yes one is a hatchback and the other is a hatchy sedan, but ballpark similar price/features/speed. I still have to test drive it before taking it any further than googling. Otherwise, my comparison (CAD fully loaded vs fully loaded) so far is:
Things i like about the Golf R better:
- More nimble/go-kart like
- Smaller and easier to park
- Holds its value way better (i've driven a year and lost not much $)
- Forum/Community is huge (so amazing, anything you've dreamed of someone has a guide)
- Cheap insurance (Ontario folks, how is the Kia Stinger insurance?)
- More brand respect (if you care about that, i personally don't)
- Nicer dash setup (not a fan of the tablet look)
Things i like about the Kia Stinger better:
- HEATED STEERING WHEEL
- OEM remote start
- Not German repair bills
- More low-down torque
- HUD
- Comes with a spare (Golf R owners will understand)
- More aggressive looks (without going into Civic Type R territory).
- Brembo brakes.
- Cooled seats
- More comfortable (debatable?)
Missing anything?
Questions for people with it..
- How is the adaptive/smart cruise control? I use it daily on my commute in rushhour traffic on the highway and can't live without it. The Golf is very smooth even when coming to a complete stop and doesn't panic too much when people cut you off.
- Anyone had to use the automatic braking? I've had it save my ass on the Golf and won't own a car without it anymore. The Golf gives you a warning before engaging so you can override it if its wrong, any feedback on the KIA version?
- How is the 15-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system? I'm really happy with the Golf R sound system and wouldn't want a downgrade (hard to judge a system by the number of speakers).
- How is parking and the turn radius? Can you pull a u-turn on a 2 lane street without reversing? I know it has all the tech but it would be the longest car i've ever owned if i got it.
- How is it when you drive... aggressive? The R is really fun to drive like a maniac.
(and would rather die instead of buying a Golf! But thats only my Preference, it's a very good car especially the R BUT it's still a Golf)
Paunchy design, short, no beauty at all, and now look at the Stinger -- that's THE CAR! 
The Salesman laughed so hard, he said, "you know more about this care than I do!" any of you get the same when you did your test drive? It is a Beautiful Every day with Kick and for the price and what you get is in a class by its self!
