Had an A3 for a while. They are great cars, but do not expect the refinement of the Benz. They will be more engaging to drive however.

Do your research on what tune to use for the car and stick with that "stage 2 kit" and do not deviate.

I have the luxury of being 30 miles from one of the top tuners in the country and he custom tuned my Porsche 996 TT. He doesn't even mess with the 2.0L because everyone else does. He specializes in custom tunes and cars/engines he loves (Porsche Turbos, Custom Tunes for Heffner on Turbo R8's, Lambos, Ferrari, etc. and the 3.0L and 2.5L from Audi/VW). I've heard mixed things on the main tuners on these engines, but good things on the 2.0L, because, again, everyone has one.

I know it goes without saying, but keep in mind any tune or mods will void your warranty. Consider a slightly earlier iteration maybe and tune it so you aren't worried about that? Just a thought.

One thought is to go with the A3 instead. Similar price point and AWD and more luxuries. The price point is even more true if used.

Good luck and nothing wrong with a GTI in red.