The wheels do nothing for me either but the car seems good value when compared to a reguklar GTi.
I'm surprised at AW1 post about driving a K04 equivalent recently and finding it lacking, I've had 4 to date and never had any issues with lag etc, agreed it is the older technology though but VW obviously think its a more capable option that our latest engines, either that or bean counting and not wanting to pay for any R&D so going with the safe option.
I stand firmly in the I wished I had xenons and love leather camp so the car would suit me but no way I would ever pay list out of principle.