If I was still in the UK, I wouldn't have considered a GTI at that price. From my past experiences with VW dealers in the UK, getting discounts is particularly difficult. I remember when I wanted to sell my Beetle. I went to my local dealer to enquire about a part-ex on a Mk IV GTI. Firstly, he wasn't prepared to negotiate on the sticker price on the GTI (not at all), and then wanted to give me about 1250 less than the book value for my beetle. I didn't stay there for long. I ended up going to my local Audi dealer and I part-ex'd for an A3.
I agree that cars cost too much in the UK, but people are prepared to pay the price, because they are used to it. They can moan and gripe all they want, but in the end, they will still go out and buy the car.
Here is another comparison for you. When I got my TTR about 3.5 years ago I paid an equivalent of $60,000 for it. I could probably (with very good bargaining skills) get a TTR and a GTI in the US for that price.