Some interesting comments here, and I agree with some of the "it didn't feel special enough" sentiments as I too had the same, when I first drove the normal Gti (base spec in white) then a Clubsport (base spec in Dolphin) and then the R (Dealer demo spec in Lapiz, with Pano Roof and DCC) the R, regardless of its optionals, was the best of the bunch by far.
I really liked the Clubsport, but I did think it was a step down from my Edition 40, not by much however and that's why I was holding out for the Edition 45. However, after seeing real life pictures of the 45 and comparing the real dealer discounted prices it was less than £600 difference for the R I have orderded, spec for spec over the 45.
The other thing that swayed it for me, was that from week 48 (in Ireland at least) they will release a "Racing Pack" which has Scottsdale wheels, delimited top speed, and an Akra exhaust for the Clubsport, meaning all the Edition 45 will have as a special stand out will be the side stickers, the black roof and the 45 badge on the steering wheel and maybe, the GTi logo on the seats, assuming that does not become standard or part of the above package.
That said I am sure it will be great and I'd go for this if I was getting one.
I'd chosen the white as my option originally, but then my wife said it looked like a "Safari tour" with the stickers down the side and I could not get that image out of my head, then again does the above look like the original batmobile?
