Sly, I agree with you. Get the R32. Ok, it's 4 grand more, but you're right about the top of the range aspect. If you're sitting at lights in a GTI and an R32 pulls along side you, you'd be like "F*ck, I wish I'd gone for the R32." Same analogy with the Porsche Cayman. I'd rather spend a little more money on a good 2nd hand 911.
I've never driven an R32, but my last car was an S3 which is similar and although it was the Audi Quattro 4WD system and not the 4-Motion VW system, it's still VAG, so I have no doubts it'll be faultless.