This is a simple question of Manual vs Automatic
As I'm firmly in camp manual, I'm obligated to provide a smart ass post.
Tossing health issues aside, it usually comes down to what you want out of driving.
Do you want to make sure you beat the soccer mom in her SUV from stop light to stop light?
Go with the auto.
Are you very concerned about some teenager in his dads turbo Honda Accord beating you in a street race?
Go with the auto.
Are you very concerned about the impressing other GTI owners with your drag strip receipts?
Go with the auto.
Have you been addicted to youtube videos of DSG farts and now you want toss in all the parts so you can annoy your neighbors as well?
Go with the auto.
Are you really just a "I need an appliance to go from point a to point b" kinda person but GTI's always caught your eye?
Go with the auto.
Do you have plans to try and replicate what you saw on the internet, lower the car and go for Stage 8 APR\ECS\DonkeyKong tune and try your hand at starting a "Hey guys what's going on it's your boy S-Naaash5467329" youtube channel.
Go with the auto (or just buy the Golf R Mr\Mrs moneybags)
Do you have your TED talk all planned out to spring on your passengers where you have them stare at your tachometer as you tell them how fast the car shifts?
Go with the auto.
Do you not care about competing with other cars or stats and just enjoy the little nuances of a manual car?
Get the manual.
Keep in mind that I'm the type of person who prefers a manual transmission in NYC traffic so my advice should be completely ignored and probably ridiculed.