Pottsy appears to be bang on the money with his review as the usually hard to please Andrew Frankel in the Times:
(
http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/art...571383,00.html)
and 4 car's new review of the Type R:
(
http://www.channel4.com/4car/rt/honda/civic/1382/1)
essentially reach the same conclusions.
Of course, hard core enthusiasts on the Civic Type R Owners Club website seem largely dismissive of Honda's latest offering, but for the rest of us I reckon it'll be down to the showroom for a test drive ASAP!
Actually, having read Pottsy's review a few times, have you noticed how all the others so far seem really shallow by comparison? Very enjoyable to read such a comprehensive assessment (and one that's really helpful to non-Civic owners with an interest in the new Type R).