For me the Mk2 wins on driveability hands down, but it's the looks of the Mk3 that I like. It losses that old fashioned boxy look, and although it's knocking on a bit now, it looks great in my books. The Mk4 GTI just doesn't inspire me, take the badges off and it could be a 1.4E. Why didn't VW make it sexy? I appreciate also that the Mk5 is a fantastic car, but it reminds me of 'Office' manager David Brent with it's little goatee!!
Strange.... I hated the Mk3 when it first came out........ loving it now.