Welcome Bing

Having owned examples of all Golf models over the centuries I can tell you the 245 PS mk8 GTI is closer to an 8v mk2 GTI than the 16v. The Clubsport is more akin to the 16v except that the Clubby is far more flexible.
I never rated the 16v, I had one and it didn’t impress me, too much like hard work to get the performance out of it unless on track.
The mk8 GTI 245 is the opposite. Don’t worry about where the red line is, the turbo is all over by about 5000 rpm. The Clubsport pulls until over 6000rpm with the red line at 6500.
In either car the gearbox will change up for you when you run out of revs.
Better to use the 245 GTI engine progressively, spooling the turbo and using its impressive torque characteristics.
I never had an issue with stop/start, keep the DSG in Sport as Joe and fredgroves suggest to stop it kicking in, or just embrace it. After a while you barely notice it.
Lane Assist I do have an issue with.
Press Start, press the tip of the left (indicator) stalk, press ‘ok’ on the steering wheel and it’s gone. That takes literally a couple of seconds but has to be done on every ignition cycle.
As above, if you want it off permanently then you’ll have to invest in OBD Eleven.