Everyone has different tastes Matt. Some people prefer the car to look less in your face, rather then the Focus RS look where you cant miss it coming down the road, or the Sound of a Suburu coming down the road from 200 yards away. Not everyone likes to be Noticed.
We all have different tastes, and in my oppinion If this same car was less money (say 30K full spec) then im sure that you and quite a few others would be not dissing this car and saying its a backward step.
I would think my car with 4 wheel drive,re- mapped would be an absolute animal! , and would love to test it out.
The current R is also dull to look at compared to the GTi. They havent had trouble selling R32's have they because they look dull???
I think the Golf R is another step foward with more power on tap, cheaper to run and Tax then its predesessor.
I hope one day i can afford one. No Question , id swop mine tommorow for one.