Ditto re your car choices too Runningman.
Agree with all your comments regarding the differences between the two cars.
Whilst you don't buy a GTI for economy, I will never-the-less be keeping a watchful eye on my fuel consumption - if only to manage my expectations going forward, having been used to diesel power for some years.
I am loving my Golf experience so far, albeit jaded somewhat by a lacklustre purchase experience caused by the supplying dealer (not the cars fault). A fact that will be of some concern to me when the services become due (or, when I need any warranty work attending to). I wonder if there are any good helpful trustworthy VW dealers out there? - as from reviews they seem few and far between.
Best of luck with your new purchase and the BMW.