I had a FN2 Civic type R a few years ago. Was sad to see it go. Since having my GTI I have to say how poor the Civic was on the handling front. Lots of understeer. That could be exagerated but the Performance pack on the GTI is pretty impressive, Im looking forward to heading up to Dartmoor soon for a burn.
I quite like the look of the new Type R however I would never own one. Its abit too much for me, I work at a golf club and I can drive my GTI or could drive an R in and the members wouldnt notice them as much as the in your face Honda. Horses for courses, if I was 20 (and could have afforded one, but how many 20 year olds will be able to spend 30K on one) It might have apealed more.