Was it any worse than the 7.5 R? I don't mean the interface, because if that bothered you then you'd not have ordered a 45.
No, if anything dynamically I was a step on from the Mk7.5, but still didn't have the edge on a FWD hatch for me.
My Mk7.5 was a non OPF and had the Akrapovic factory fitted exhaust, it sounded the business....that and the interior quality I do miss over the Mk8s....