I was torn between a Golf R and the RS3, decided to go RS3 as I think the new Golf R interior and info system are a step backwards from the normal Golf standards.
With Golf the delivery time was 24 weeks on an 'R' and the sales lad said it was 54 weeks on a GTI and yet at one time it was the other way around.
This leads me to believe at the moment with chip shortage etc that VW (and probably Audi) allocate 'x' amount of a certain model to be built at a certain time, If you 'miss' the next 'reduced batch build' numbers you will go to the next batch which will be around a year
So my guess is with RS3 you will either get your car within approx 6 months if you ordered early enough or around a year if you missed the first batch.
PS:................Just my theory at the moment
I had an order in for an R back in April (ish) but cancelled it as delivery timeframes were long and I had hoped they’d get better… . They were only 4 months wait then…
I was put off by infotainment issues from reviews but owners are not reporting any issues with use ability so I think it’s usual rubbish feedback from you tubers / reviewers- don’t know why I paid attention to them…
Glad I did though as whilst the R is far far cheaper, I just dont care and want that 5cyl