I picked up my '15 MCS Auto,my third Mini. WOW. I have the JCW interior package with cloth seats and they are extremely comfortable. For me, the S engine with the "sport" automatic is a perfect match. My last Mini, a "12S manual", was hard to shift fast in sport mode. There is or was no way that I could shift , up or down faster in a manual than I can with this transmission.
As far as ride and handling, I have the standard suspension with "17" runflats.
My first Mini had the sports suspension and would knock out your fillings.On my new car I have noticed that the steering is a little sharper, probably because of the 17's and the runflats, but the car doens't seem to hop over expansion joints like my '08 did.
I also like the higher gearing. The auto just creeps along the freeway at nice, low revs, but the power is there for the taking. The low end power is wonderful, but the engine likes revs also.
Next week I am getting some vinyl stripes and will send some photos.

 

Awesome! What color is your mini? Mine's still on its cruise across the pond and the wait is killing me!

 

Volcanic orange, black top and wheels. Next week we are going to have some stripes added.

 

Yes, the engine and (auto) trans are probably the 2 BEST things I like about the F56S.
Just like you noticed, it revs low to give that almost hybrid like MPG (36.8 MPG in city/hwy average and often 40+ in hwy in my commute), and also you can drive fast in the sport mode when you want to have some fun.
It's like having the best of the both worlds - fuel economy and power.
MINI/BMW did a super job for the powertrain dept of this car.
This is my first MINI and I'm already thinking about getting another one already - when the Countryman comes out with the same 2.0L motor (currently it's still using the old 1.6L).

Let us know what kind of average MPG you are getting on yours!

 

congrats on the new car! hurry up and get some pics posted!