Hi I have just joined the site after having been popping onto the forum to read through several very informative threads. My dilema is that i am unsure whether to go for Seat FR (petrol) or the Honda Civic with its innovative looks. I have been struggling with this dilemma for quite some time and thought that i would seek some impartial (ha ha) advice from you guys.
I have test driven them both and the FR is more of a drivers car, but the Civic is very different to any other car outthere at the moment so still undecided.
Can ya
help?
Having owned a Seat Leon Sport 140TDI, test driven and almost bought a Type R and now driving A Civic Type S 2.2 Diesel I would make the following observations:-
Type R will probably just pip the Leon in the handling stakes in the dry but ride suffers as a result (can be fidgety) and it lacks some front end grip when turning in in the wet.
Type R is really more the true drivers car as being normally aspirated and high reving it requires more driver input to get the best out of it...the turbo option requires less work in the gearchange department etc
Of course compared to a turbo car the type R lacks torque and needs to be worked hard....if you do fuel economy will suffer (hence why I settled on type s diesel but this may not be important to you).
Despite lack of torque Type R is deceptively quick and the sound when vtecing is positively enticing, the Leons sound won't give you the same grin factor.
On a pratical note both cars have good packaging but of course the Seat has advantage of being a five door that looks like a three door. As Type R seats have no memory you will be constantly trying to find that perfect driving position again if you have people getting in the back. Also there is the well publicised matter of (lack of)rear visibility as Type R has no wash wipe or demister on
lower screen....personally I dont find it an issue and I have to reverse off my drive every morning (larger side mirrors on the Honda
help) but I had reversing sensors on both Leon and the Type S as a precaution...oh and just in case you do have to tow anything like a jet ski the Type R has no towing capability. The interior of the Honda is a nicer place to be but the fussy display can become a little wearing on the eye after a while.
Finally despite Hondas reputation Type R has a number of known issues....early examples prone to 3rd gear issues, extremly thin paint, annoying rattles in the dash and the latest includes early signs of rust on inner door tops...however I am sure if you trawl this forum you will find people who have had similar issues with the Leon.
In the end they are both great cars and whilst in the Honda now I certainly wouldn't rule out returning to Seat stable in the future. Take a few more test drives in each make up your own mind and enjoy whichever you decide to go for.
Really had to go diesel too with my daily comute. 
