My experience with my Mazdaspeed3 has told me that FWD + LSD + winter tires is pretty great in the snow, at least until it's deep enough to high side on. I also like snaller diameter wheels and extra sidewall for peak pothole season.

The GTI's ground clearance isn't bad at 5", but if the snow's too deep for it, I've got the CX-5 and it's extra 3.5" of ground clearance for that.