Hi,
Not a bad car for your first!
I'd start with lowering springs, i got mine off eBay, roughly £160 and it sits at a reasonably lower height, anything mega low you're better off with coilovers.
As for sound, you're best to do something with your exhaust. Either d-cat/straight pipe/backbox/ full system. I've got a cherry bomb back box (also off eBay
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
) and got my local exhaust centre to cut and fit it for me. Gives a good deep tone without it being stupidly loud!
If you're looking at air filters you can either buy a replacement panel filter from pipercross, k&n, etc. or fit an induction kit (forge are the only one who do one for the 1.2 tsi so far) or a blow off valve (also forge).
On the other hand, take off the lid of your air box and get a ramair cone filter or similar brand with a 75mm pipe >>>
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/27131990 ... crdt=0[url][/url] width and slip it on the end of the intake pipe and that'll give you the same effect for a fraction of the price!
These can be quite expensive, but i suppose it all depends on how much you're wanting to put in to the car!
As for installing the bits above, knowing people in the trade or people who have good knowledge is a big help!
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)