I guess that the only way to decide what to buy is what YOU want.

Like everyone else here, I too lusted after the GTI / R but for what I needed the car for, the 90TSI does me just fine (I had to order the comfort pack as an option). 12months on...it is the best car I have ever owned, is SOOOO cheap to run and hasn't missed a beat, first service came and went and unlike a lot of owners here, mine had not used a single drop of oil in 15000km.

No it's not a GTI or an R and if that is what you REALLY want, you will be sadly disappointed with the 90TSI but if you are comparing it with the other hatchbacks in it's market, in my opinion, the VW is head and shoulders above the rest....not something you can easily put your finger on...it just feels "right".

If you really want the extra performance that the larger engines provide, buy the bigger engine to start with because down the track...no matter what mods you make, what tune you put through the ECU...it will still be a 90TSI

I worked in a car dealership for many years and the thing that used to amaze me was how many people were bitterly disappointed because they bought the car that their friends, family etc wanted and not what they wanted. By all means ask opinions (everyone has one) but buy the car you want.