before i bought mine i test drove the Golf GTI, Cupra, Astra VXR, focus ST, mazda 3 MPS and a diesel octavia vRS.
im not a huge fan of the golf anyway, but wanted to try the engine as it was the same as the vRS petrol. hated the VXR apart from its pace. Liked the drive from the cupra, absolutely loved everything about the ST, hated the interior and drab style of the MPS, loved the interior and shape of the vRS but wasnt keen on the diesel engine.
The result was either going to be a an ST, cupra or petrol vRS. the ST was really common in germany, so my thoughts the vRS as it would remap past the cupra with no issues, damn i wish i knew about the turbo differences.