Aha, I've gone from an mcs (2010) to a Cooper and at the mo have NO regrets-it sounds amazing with the standard exhaust t due to the 3 cylinder growl -very Porsche like I have to say and only a second slower than the s, with £20 year road tax and fully comp insurance at £150-what's not to like. Not sure re consumption yet-first fill with a lot of sitting around was 43, but it's showing 48pg at the mo with shortish runs! I just used what I saved on upping the spec of my car so have all the toys I wanted!
