The golfs are all FWD. AFAIK the big problems to be overcome would be:
engine mounts for a 4a-ge & transmission
custom drive shafts
relocation of other under-bonnet equipment (steering etc)
conversion to EFI
upgrading the stock brakes (standard car has only 55kW!!)
I'm sure plenty of parts (EFI, brakes) could be sourced from a later model GTI but the custom stuff would be expensive...
RWD starlets aren't really an option in Sydney eventhough I would prefer to stick to toyotas.