The new GTI drives awesome.
But I'd advise you run as fast as possible away from any VW/Audi product.
Reliability sucks.
I currently own an 02 GTI with the VR6. Awesome torquey engine and absolutely great road feel.
However, I've already gone thru 2 AC compressors, 2 air bag sensors, and now have a non working speedometer. Plus, I have intermittent starting problems. Granted, I have 130K miles on it.
But I've never had any of these problems in the various Hondas and Toyotas I've owned.
As a matter of fact, my next car will be a Civic Si
Lenny