Still, I'm a little concerned about changing the character of the thing. I like that the stock car builds power pretty smoothly all the way to redline. Apparently, Stage 1 adds a bunch of midrange, which is great, but then the engine feels like it runs out of steam at the top end. I like winding it out to redline just for the fun of it, so not sure how I'll like that.
I have a Stage 1 tune and you are right, it just falls flat at the top end but the midrange is incredible. While its been a long time since I've driven a stock GTI but from what I remember, going though 1st and 2nd is better but nothing amazing.... then 3rd is where the fun starts to happen as it just pulls much harder.
Another thing is I find the turbo spools up a little later off the line, closer to 2200-2500 rpm you start to get lots of boost.
Personally I like the tune as around town I don't need much power due to traffic but when the roads are clear I'm always in the meaty part of the boost anyway.
I believe you can get a test tune where it works for 7 days so if you don't like it, you move on with your life. If you do like it you can get a full flash and enjoy it.