Some facts..
Like BMW, Volkswagen underrates their horsepower figures. A stock GTI Mk7 makes ~210-220
WHP (look up the dynos). And it responds very well to tune and after-market bolt ons.
USDM 2-door with a stick now weights 2976 lbs (~150lbs than a equivalent Mk6). So not much heavier than a stock 86. The Fiesta ST is lighter but makes less power and does not offer an LSD (~$1500 buys you one on the GTI as part of the performance package). Focus ST is heavier, at 3200lbs, and again does not have a front limited slip diff. New Mazda 3 weights about the same as the GTI, without turbo.
Car won't let you disable ESP completely. Hopefully a software flash will do the trick,
as it did for the Mk6 (although it took a while..).
The Golf R will let you disable all electronics aids (VW sells it as "feature" on that car). But it will be much more expensive ($35-37K), heavier (~3300 lbs) and only come in 5-door configuration in the US.
All in all, a great all around car that I would love to daily drive and take for long trips. Also, at this point I don't know why would anybody choose a Focus ST over this —the Fiesta ST I could understand, lower price point and lighter car.