I found the Mk5 and Mk6 drove very similar (had a couple of long test drives, as kept changing mind about ACC, so probably added up to about 1.5 days as got some long runs in on B roads and motorways). Bought a new car as needed a 5 door as the tilt\slide seats in the 3 door keep breaking which is pants if you've got kids).
"So- how bad is a GTI DSG in the snow vs R32? the BM was undriveable, even in light slush."
Interesting you say this as started to noticed that a few of the people who live by us have current shape 3 series.
The golf mk5 GTI was fine in the snow, even without winter tyers. The traction control etc where excellent. Only problem was not with the car, but when taking my time on the ice, had several tossers who were driving 4X4s tailgateing. On way home the other week driving through a residential estate taking it very easy as was sliding everywhere on the uneaven ice, when had one idiot in his mitsubishi 4x4 truck driving about a 1meter off the back. I badly I wanted to get out and and do a drill instructor on him (especially as I had a 2 year old in the back grrr), but I was starting to loose it so much I know I would have ended up seriously lamping him if he'd try to justify driving like an idiot (and was so dumb he didn't bother trying to overtake even when I was pulled over to the left on a wide residental road, guess he just wanted to be a tosser in his big truck).
