Another addition to the hatch-on-steriods segment is good, regardless of which you prefer. Keeps the competitive juice flowing. I'd have a very tough time picking between the VW and an STi.
VW pro:
Sweet interior, high resale, 4-motion is excellent AWD, lots of HP left to find, refined feel to the whole thing, six speed DIY shifter.
VW cons:
Lots of money for a Golf, a little down on power in stock form, terrible dealers.
STi pro:
I like the five-door "ripped" body, high resale, DCCD AWD is untouchable, also a lot of HP to be found, six speed DIY shifter.
STi cons:
Lots of money for an Impreza, dealers only slightly better than VW, spartan interior, a dull blade in terms of refinement
Jeez, no obvious winner.