Thanks for the feedback mjh.
I'm going to drive a MK6 GTI DSG tomorrow. See what it's like. Just need to see if I'll miss the rewarding feel of manual. I live in London, a lot of stop start traffic can be a pain.
I think I should look at a 5 door before deciding. I agree it does hold its lines well, so did the MK 6 5 door GTI I think. 90% of my driving is on my own. But when it does have passengers it will be a pain I guess.
Was going to choose white. But I really need to see one in person. Probably will go for black in the end though.
My driving is mixed can do long motorway run one day, town next and then be parked on M25 to finish (you know what I mean!) so DSG really works for me and the times I do get to enjoy some lanes it will be into sport & paddles

About 40% of time I have passengers, so it is a bigger issue for me and seemingly more so recently and every time someone moans I say "I am getting a 5 door next time" - Attempting to get in a 3 door Golf R last weekend convinced me this choice is right for me.
My previous was Phantom Black and present is Brilliant Black A3 and they look amazing when have the full TLC treatment but get dusty and dirty very quick and bird mess really stands out! Think the white though obviously will get dirty will manage it better - Love them photos by way, that blue with red GTi accents work well.
Everyone view on here is personal except for maybe some of the more technical posts so you doing the right thing totally in going out and seeing and trying for self and be interesting to see what finally spec.