Yeah, it really is a beast of a machine. Obviously the money didn't go into the interior or materials but the stock seats feel amazing. You don't even think they will be that good until you sit in them. The density of the foam is perfect. It's not like recaro foam hardness, but not regular civic softness. They found a good medium. The chassis is way more competent than a GTI or Golf R, and the brakes are great. I know bc my friend has a Golf R and Type R and I've had some decent seat time in both modded and stock CTRs. Still, the Golf platform is a better do everything car, but the Type R is more of a performance machine.
Exactly, they absolutely nailed it IF that is what you want. My buddy that has one wanted the whole package and loves the car. It's a weapon on the track, everything works great. On the street it feels fine, but it feels like a track prepped car. The seats are great, the interior is way over the top but everything works, just like the styling.
I have another friend with a Focus RS, and we should all be doing a track day before the end of the year. It's an interesting group for sure, but my car is the one we'll take to get lunch or to shuttle people around.
R/GTI is a better daily car, more livable, but if you don't want or need that, we've got a lovely selection of cars in the US right now. Maybe not as good as Europe but better than we've had in 20+ years.