I actually think first impressions are the real ones you feel about most things. When I had a wrx 99 and the bug eye came out I said to myself thats one ugly car. Whatever spoilers pink badges scoops or blinkers they put on I thought it was one ugly car. Going forward I bought the mk 5 gti because it really appealed to me - I really think the exterior/interior is fantastic. Having a look at the next gen it's not grabbing me. Maybe because it hasnt changed much apart from getting sharper. I think the backs not an improvement and a bit ugly. The front is nice but I dont really fancy the gti grille and I think the grille on the current one is a better layout. I also dont think the current one will date as much as the gen 4 as its not a huge difference in looks. Maybe in real life the mk6 is better than what the pictures show me. But to upgrade for me would be a waste of money just for a new front end - unless it was a totally new shape with a crazy look. Ppl who also are worried about depreciation. Not sure why. No car is an asset. You buy it to enjoy it then eventually you get another one - provided you can afford to. I'd hate to think what ppl who spend 150-200K+ on cars think about depreciation!