I disagree, the sport handles and drives far better than the other models in normal/wet road conditions. The low profile tyres and harder suspension gives it amazing cornering and handling for a 4x4 and thats coming from a Golf Gti. I'm not saying it handles as good as a GTi but it's a huge improvement over the other models IMO. Road noise wise i wouldnt say there was any difference.
The TD4 is also reputed as being the best engine to go for. The only thing i would agree with is the wider wheels of the sport do tend to follow ruts a little more, but its really not an issue, the car is easy to control.
If you intend to do serious off roading, i'd probably recommend a different model as the sport sits 30mm lower. But then it does look great for it.