If there is going to be a hot version of the new Civic in the States, then clearly hang out for it.
If not, then get the GTi.
I hate VW's, but if its the choice between a sports model VW, and an econobox Civic, then you have to take the VW.
Its possible to get out of the scene, and still be able to enjoy driving a sports car, especialy if its already pretty quick out of the box, and you don't need to do anything to it.
I went from owning a heavily modified car, to owning a car that I never modified, because I got something that was already very fast and a little special out of the factory.