Yeah the Brescia's are actually a perfect upgrade for the Mk8 if you're not going for factory fit 19's as they're only 7.5J wide and therefore shouldn't poke out any further than the 18's. Pretoria's on the other hand are 8J wide so strictly speaking you may have an issue with those.
I don't much care for the loud exhaust either. I'd take it if it's there, but it's not something that would lure me in.
I'm a bit disappointed with the interior if I'm honest. I know they may be holding something back for an ED45, but carrying over the Art Velours, as nice as it is, is a bit lazy. Also no red accents, piping, Clubsport badges? Not even a GTi logo on the seats.
Still it's a good value for money upgrade over the standard car. But much like yourself I think the standard car would probably be enough for me.