Sounds like you need a test drive to form your own opinion.
I’ve had golf’s on motability for 8 years, last 5 have been GTD.
I have severe back problems but the golf has been very comfy compared to the Astra I had before.
Ride is good, I’d not say its too firm, seats are perfect in the GTD, only reason for changing this time is the awful touch /tablet control in the MK8 golfs.