£22k for a Polo GTI should make people realise that £30k for a Golf R or £40k for an Audi RS3 isn't so bad. It's what cars cost nowadays.
My fully loaded Mk5 Golf GTI cost £25k five years ago.
I did not realise you paid that much back then. I got a basic one for 18K around the same time and the mk6 with a few options for less than 22K last year.
....DSG, Xenons, sunroof, 5-door, were what loaded the basic price - All options, or their equivalent, which I'd want on any car I bought.
Then I went on to spend zillions on aftermarket modifications! I won't get a penny back but do I care? Too much joy from the car to care about what's been spent.