I drove a 1.5 Sport yesterday
I went to dealer for something else and saw a 1.5 auto courtesy car parked up so asked the salesman if I can take it for a quick spin.... verdict -- its pretty good.
There is no rubber band on the acceleration. It responds as you press and as much as you press. I was impressed. I was zooming around and it was fun. 0-50 is pretty quick and easy. There is slightly more engine noise (but not much and was pushing it) but it sounds "grunty rather than whizzy" ie. it felt like a sporty noise rather than "im working hard" engine noise.
Id need to have another go to my confirm my first impressions -- but I liked it. Its how it should be in terms of acceleration. I have no intention to change but it has given me food for thought .....
.. but still dont like the overall look - although some colours look better than others. The red in the vid looks ok.