I test drove the 1-series back a few months ago. Well disappointed. Ended up thinking that most people would sway to a 2nd hand 3-series if they had the 35k to spend. And for that money you would get a good M-Tec model.
By comparison, I test drove the 1.6FSI A3 Sportback recently, and WHAT a car!
yes, it may be an expensive golf, BUT, it does have a lot of safety gear, extras and whatnot that you don't get as standard on the Golf, and it will still be 5k more expensive than the golf at its 3-year value.
Avoid the old 1.6, get the FSI. Incredible difference.