I personally think standard mk5s look pants, only the GTIs really look the part. Even the R32 looks a bit like a Jetta at the front but I think the rear is much better looking than a GTI. I never really liked the look of the MK6 I thought at the time they had taken a step backwards, just what were they thinking with those ridiculously over sized rear lights! But now I see a mk6 gti or R I think they look very nice indeed.
When the MK7 first came out I really struggled to tell it apart from the MK6 but now I am familiar with them, I have to admit I think they are the best looking golf since the MK2. I love the sharp, angled stying. I think they look really modern without looking OTT. They also appear to sit much lower and wider than the MK5 which can only be a good thing. After I get an ED30 I will definitely be after a MK7 GTI with PP in the distant future.