Similar story with BMW too, what you get as standard on the Golf is really really good.
Interesting to hear your thoughts on the 220, I'll hopefully go for a test drive with him and see what he makes of it. He loves the GTD, so will see how it compares for him.
The red calipers are just that too, red! No decals etc, unlike the GTI PP which has the GTI emblem. I think they priced the S&S well though, one of the better value options I reckon.