From what I've read, leatherette is actually somewhat nicer than leather in some regards. It wears better, is more "grippy" for spirited driving, and it breathes better due to the perferation in it.
The 'tour SVT is the most performance oriented out of the bunch, but do be ware that it's not a cheap car to work on and I've heard some horror stories about the way that SVT handles repairs. The 2.5L is shoehorned under that hood and is a bear to work on, making for very expensive labor bills. They also are notorious for weak/poor trannies and having the stick shift lock out 2nd gear and reverse. The interior is also shoddy, squeeky, and poorly laid out. They have the worse stock radio I think I've ever heard in a car made in the last 10 years.
Don't get me wrong. I've drove them, and nearly bought them, but they ARE NOT in the same class both fit and finish wise and reliability wise as the Audi.
It was intended to be a budget alternative to a BMW 3 series. That it is. It outruns and outhandles a 3 series, but falls on it's face in just about every other area.