Yeah I like the xenons and I like the way 3 door Edition 30s look, so ticks all the boxes visually :)
Handling wise, it's good out of the box imo. It's so good imo, I'd wager aftermarket suspension kits don't offer massively increased cornering speeds. I like a little roll to get the tyres working and I also like how they've configured the roll centre - feels bang on to me.
Performance, well, that is my only weakness. I just had to turn the boost up!
Brakes - I have no idea why the GTI's come under so much criticism. Coming from MK1s, MK2s, MK3s, MK4s, Corrados etc, the standard brakes feel extremely positive and reassuring. Yeah they might fade a bit on track and silly road speeds, but how often is the latter a daily occurrence?
Interior - tartan not to everyone's tastes, nor the noddy HVAC controls, but it's well laid out, comfy, quiet and practical. Just a shame the quality isn't brilliant.
So yeah, all in all, the standard offering is a very accomplished all rounder.