As you say they are so much different in the flesh.
Well after a stonking 1500 miles in 1 month
, its going well, just a couple of minor issues that the dealer has got to sort out next week, like the stupid double door locking system that is being removed, and a handling problem which is that it hasnt been aligned properly as they said it had 
, so poped over to Autotest last Saturday and proved the dealer wrong as the front track and camber is out,so hopefully this will make if feel better when its corrected, but I feel that a ARB change and poly bushes will be needed as people say this makes a huge difference on the hatch, although I would expect that a Sti would feel better than it does at the moment.
Fuel wise on averabe about 28 mpg and is such a pleasure to drive.
Just a radio upgrade next as the aux jack system for an ipod is cr*p, so getting the new Alpine ipod sterio, like we had in the old car ( yes I did take it out and fit the standard breeze block back in when I sold it)
If funds allow front decat in December ( before the VAt increese) and then a Duncan tweek to see what we can get.
In all very HAPPY new new age motoring.