This is rubbish as they were out-selling the 172's when they were released. They were cheaper too, which was another added bonus. They were never slated for making it a drivers' car.
Then ya actually need to read some past reviews as nearly all the mags said good car but the civic type r can do the same with all the luxuries. Tiff needel had no time for it at all. Yeah they did outsell 172s but thats comparing those 2 cars not the whole hot hatch market.