Been a while since i updated this, so thought id post my thoughts after just over 6 months of ownership...
Its done just over 7k now and is running faultlessly. Averaging about 28mpg, much lower when on the loud pedal, but then not much higher when on my work commute (mixture of A/B roads - 20miles each way). Having owned an Auto/DSG car now, i think id find it hard to adjust and go back to a manual, but that for me is one of the things that i'm not massively sold on with the Golf. I feel like its missing something to make it a car i love to drive. I have commented in the Golf R thread about the car not being the sort i want to throw about and give it some like i have always found with my clio's. Im not comparing this to a clio, but for sheer fun and enjoyment its miles apart. The Golf is probably infinitely more capable than any clio i've owned, and that's probably why i don't want to or haven't really given it some on any corners yet, because it involves doing silly speeds to get it to a point of being "on the limit".
With this being the estate, it really is very very convenient and makes it a great all rounder. It doesn't feel anything like an estate car at all. My mate owns an Evo 9 wagon and drove it the other day. He immediately said he liked how planted it was with minimal body roll in comparison to his Wagon. Its a nice compromise of stiff with little roll, but also quite comfortable at the same time, quite a nice package all round. I have very recently had a baby girl and putting her pram into the boot is too easy. I've owned a 3 series estate which had a fair size boot, but this is massive in comparison! we got the pram and a fairly sized Christmas tree in the other week and there was still room for more. We just put the seat down on one side (using the little releases - very very handy) and job done.
The next thing is the faux by four drive train. Having owned an Evo myself, i really noticed the drive train and its lack of character. I definitely miss that real 4WD system, but again, the golf's system is very good at doing what it needs to do, so no wheel spin at all from the get-go.
The interior on the car is fair. Its not a BMW/MERC, but its functional and a pretty comfortable place to be. The seats are comfortable and pretty good at keeping you in them when going round a tight corner. The blue lights are a really nice touch (in my opinion), but some people may find it a bit chavvy/gypo.
On the whole its a great all round car. Its very very good at commuting and munching up the miles, but then when you need it to make progress, a stamp on the accelerator see's you up to speed very quickly. If i had my time again, i would definitely go for the estate over the hatch. The convenience of the bigger boot, and the wolf in sheep's clothing (minus the exhausts) has a lot of appeal to me !
Roll on the next year or so of ownership....