I was actually torn between the Type R (CE - white one) and the VXi auto when I bought mine back in March 2009, as the difference in price was negligible at that time (around R5k). After weighing up the options and realizing I'll have to do without rear PDC, auto headlights / wipers, USB / Aux, heated (and easy cleaning) leather seats and 2 doors less whilst having to fork out an extra R5k for the CTR (Civic Type R), I decided upon the auto. The auto has the same carbon-look dash trim as the CTR, as opposed to the piano-black fingerprint magnets of the manual, and still looks just as sexy and distinguishable enough from the standard manual VXi.
I know the CTR is an absolute scream, but at a higher altitude the engine just isn't worth it. You're getting way more torque from the diesel, which will feel a lot more pushy up here. The CTR only makes sense down at the coast, unfortunately. Besides, I prefer the cool blue instrumentation lighting above the orange of the CTR and I'm happy to make do without the rear spoiler and red Honda badge.
TL;DR - Prefer the VXi auto above the Type R, more value for money imho