I live in Erskineville / Newtown and used to live in Randwick (Darley Rd).

Manual is fine in traffic. The clutch is light and the gearshift forgiving. The torque of the engine allows you to leave it in 2nd or 3rd and simply use the available revs. I think manual would be better for resale in a "sporty" vehicle.

You'll find the GTI is a bit nippier in the type of driving we get in our area(s) but you'll probably need to put in a dogbone insert and fit really good tyres to minimise axle tramp off a standing start.

I do find it it amusing when people with really powerful cars go nutso whenever there's a clear bit of road. Particularly prevalent near the Ferrari / Maserati dealership at Green Square.