I was in the same state of mind back in January as you are now... I ended up getting a GLS and I am loving every second... Even though I ended up with a 5-Speed Tiptronic automatic 
One thing I have noticed as well is that there is a suspension difference between the GLI and the GLS. I believe the GLI is about 1.5" lower (via springs), but there are spring kits out there to give you the same stance.
I mean, if you really wanted to... You could get pieces of a GLI body kit (front lip, side skirts, etc), add a set of "sport" springs, and get some GLI badges and no one would know the difference from the outside (I believe the GLI has different seats and some interior trim differences as well).
I'd love to see pics once you decide what you are gonna do. You will definitely be happy either way. The 1.8t engine is amazing...
One thing I have noticed as well is that there is a suspension difference between the GLI and the GLS. I believe the GLI is about 1.5" lower (via springs), but there are spring kits out there to give you the same stance.
I mean, if you really wanted to... You could get pieces of a GLI body kit (front lip, side skirts, etc), add a set of "sport" springs, and get some GLI badges and no one would know the difference from the outside (I believe the GLI has different seats and some interior trim differences as well).
I'd love to see pics once you decide what you are gonna do. You will definitely be happy either way. The 1.8t engine is amazing...
