Potential MINI newbie question (or a DS3)

[Pints]

I took a test drive in a MINI for the first time on Saturday and my word, I was very impressed. Wasn't expecting the ride and handling to be quite as good as it was.

I still want to test drive a Citroen DS3 but it'll have to bloody spectacular to make me change my mind about the MINI.

So this means I'm likely set to order a Cooper D as a new company car later this week.
My question to you lot is what are the absolute must-haves. It's only really for M4 bashing and I don't want or need fully loaded.
Will I be happy running a MINI for 3 years if I only spec it with air-con, 5-spoke alloys and a black roof?

Or (and I think I know the answer here) can I expect to be suitably impressed with a DS3?

[Pints]

Thanks for the reply. Pepper was the one I'm looking at. Really don't want to go for more than I need.
Not much night driving will be done - almost entirely motorway during winter months.

[Pints]

Pulse said:

That was basically why I said MINI to you, even though I dislike them... They're meant to be fun!

That said, the DS3 is very popular, and it's easy to see why - it looks great. Worth a drive!

Is it a Cooper D you're looking at now instead?

I've not had a chance to test drive the DS3 but that MINI was just so good.

I was afraid to admit that to you.

[Pints]

Pulse said:

You should definitely try the DS3, if only to assure yourself of the right decision.

You were looking at a One D before though... Is it now a Cooper?

I think I need the extra 22bhp.

[Pints]

sad61t said:

Friend had a D and was getting high 60s on a motorway commute.

That's the sort of info I like to hear.

I've provisionally specced a red pepper (haha) with the heated windscreen, 5-spoke alloys and black roof.
Should do me just fine.

[Pints]

Pulse said:

Pints, are there other cars on the list? We should have a coffee to discuss I reckon!

Our A1 for example, whilst a bit dynamically-challenged, is an absolutely fantastic car for punting down the motorway in. I drive mine very slowly (65mph) but do get 60mpg on the A419 (to Gloucester) and about 65-70mpg on the M4 (to Taunton).

Very long list of cars. I'll give you a call this evening.

[Pints]

miniman said:

Did you drive the SD? I drove one back to back with the D and it was bloody hilarious. I ended up having the D, though, as it was intended to be a cheap company car (tax-wise) to commute in. The spec was:

Metallic paint
Chilli pack
Centre armrest
Cooper S wheels
Black roof
Anthracite headlining
Full leather

£255 / month to the company, about £90 in tax.

Wish I had gone for the panoramic roof and heated seats. Don't underestimate the importance of being able to change the colour of the interior lighting

60mpg is optimistic - mine's showing an average of 49 over 6000 miles.

I only drove the D, not the Cooper D.
For the Cooper D with Pepper pack, heated windscreen and upgraded 15" alloys (no metallic paint) it's £113 cost to company and £76 BIK over 3 years.

[Pints]

Quick update. I've ordered a Cooper D with Pepper pack and heated windscreen, plus a couple of aesthetic extras.

Not sure about the cruise control thought - I couldn't see it on the options list.

Will post some pics up when it's delivered (4 - 6 weeks wait).

[Pints]

As promised, here are the pics. Collected last night.

Edited by Pints on Friday 30th November 19:24