It's not
I didn't want a circuit pack car , 0-60 in 5.5s and 4wd will be plenty for me , I've never been on a track in my life and have no intention of starting now
i would've had the convenience pack if thats what it was but there's enough equipment on this one and it's 3k cheaper.
The circuit pack really only adds the torsen diffs front and rear.
The wheels on the circuit pack are lighter, but horrendously expensive if damaged, and many are changing the springs and dampers anyway.
Diffs. I agree, normal driving probably no advantage.
For many, it's all down to future value/collectivity, everyone wants the circuit pack for being the highest specification.
If you just want it for being a good hot hatch, good price, Toyota reliability and excellent warranty, the standard car ticks a lot of boxes.
However, if just for a good hot hatch, it does have compromises too that can't be overlooked.
Dealer services every 6K miles/6 months (hassle more than cost).
Very small rear seats.
Very small boot space.
Limited rear view and no rear wash wiper, especially in winter.
Therefore for me, these compromises unfortunately excluded myself ordering one as a daily, well over a year before all the hype today, and thus why the circuit pack is the most popular.