I test drove both ED30 and R32 back to back when I changed my car last.
I loved the sound track of the R32 and the rear end is much nicer in my opinion than the ED30.
However, the ED30 felt more special with the excellent seats and neat touches as well as feeling quicker and more nimble and I much prefer the front end of the GTi/ED30.
The fuel consumption was a factor as I do a lot of miles which the ED30 copes with extremely well, however even if fuel wasn't an issue I would still go for the ED30 as it just hits all the right buttons for me
I personally don't care which is marginally faster, both great cars, although I would happily take the R32 in the snow as the ED30 and DSG was awful
Overall you can't go wrong with GTi/R32 or ED30 IMO, all great cars and we should all be happy to have the pleasure of owning quite possibly the best car pound for pound