I'll (hopefully) be in the market a year or two into the Mk8 in the US. Exterior looks fine, hasn't changed much. Although it keeps getting bigger, which I don't like. My 2003 golf was a perfect size. The golf used to be a unique, small, and sporty option, but it's showing signs of turning into the generic lowest-common-denominator-market car that everyone makes.
Interior wise, I'm a big fan of my Mk6 gti and was an even bigger fan of the Mk4. I enjoyed that it was simple and functional. Most other cars seem to take the approach that more knobs, buttons, and useless controls somehow equates to luxury? I'm a late and reluctant adopter to anything touch screen, high tech, etc. so this whole new interior thing frightens me. I want to drive a car, not an ipad. The photos so far make it look like exactly what I don't want. But who knows, maybe in person it will be more inviting.