my mate has a manual s3 (same year as my golf) and while you can def feel the bump in power, it feels a bigger, heavier car for some reason. amazing slaying it through the Brecon beacons. I say go for a spin in one first.
you're welcome top have a go in my golf, if you want to try the auto
I drive a mkvi GTI manual right now. Want more power and either AWD or RWD.