Today I picked up my new car: a dark silver MINI Cooper S with the Premium, Sports and Cold-Weather packs. I've honestly never enjoyed driving so much in my life.
After much deliberation I got a 6-speed manual. I was worried about having to shift with my right hand (while I've driven manual in Australia, I've never driven stick in the US). But I'm so glad I went with it. No problem at all switching hands (I guess the real work is in the feet anyway and they don't switch).
I can't push it too hard for the first 1,200 miles but the acceleration in second gear is awesome.
The interior controls are really nicely done but I'm going to need to sit down with the manual to really get a hang of everything (trip computer, iPod integration, etc)
The purchasing experience at MINI of Peabody was excellent. You are really made to feel like you are joining the "cool club". Maybe MINI is the Apple of cars.
I love it! And I'm not into cars at all :-)