The S3 is bland out of the box, but nothing better suspension wouldn't fix. It's way better built than the Golf and has the best engine out of all the TFSI cars from that era (CDL code).
The only dull thing about the S3 is the way it looks, but the understated boring looks suit some people. To be honest, 5 door MK5s look almost as boring as the S3, imo. The 3 door looks way better.
I'd get a 3dr DSG Edition 30 personally. Pirellis are more exclusive and not generally modified as much, but you pay a premium for that unfortunately.