I am a car enthusiast and have owned cars from most Euro badges. This car was a great niche to meet my needs: AWD for those occasional camping/ski trips, yet a fuel efficient getabout town car at the same time. I also wanted a weekend driver that would give me a few thrills around a twisty mountain. It also has the typical standout Mini appeal: well designed, built and finished. The power delivery is quick, but you wouldn't put it on even terms with say a [Golf] GTI. Handling is superb and ride comfort is a real surprise. Very comfy yet will hold up around the corners with minimal body roll. I ordered the car fully optioned and the accessories make the car. The leather is really high quality and seats are sporty firm. The nav system is awesome, just a shame it doesn't overlay google maps, then it would be perfect. 10 speaker Harmon Kardon is awesome. No complaints there. Anyhow, very happy with the car, glad they are expensive so not many on the road, but on the flip side, very cheap to run with fuel, servicing and tyres (computer tells you when brake pads/brake oil/engine oil etc etc need replacing - condition based servicing) and am sure this will be a car I keep longer than the usual 1-2 year turnaround.