I missed my Mini after I traded it in last year to get my Dodge Truck. So, I decided to go back to a hatchback.I browsed NAM and configured 100's of mini's on miniusa.com haha. I test drove the new R56. I wasn't too impressed. I liked the old body style a lot better (R53) I just wish I could have had the new interior and drivetrain in the old body style. However, I found my perfect match! As of Monday Night I'm now a proud owner of a Volkswagen GTI MkV. Got it with Leather, Autoclimate Control, Sunroof, and of course 6-speed manual. I'm sure one day Ill own another Mini.
Here are some pics.

 

Looks really nice and I'm sure you will be very happy with the Vdub. "One" of the many reasons I'm sticking with MINI is the community. I'm not saying the same community doesn't exist with newer Vdubs but I'm not aware of it. We're still in the German car cousindom though.

 

Well the V-Dub has a following, but its not as strong as the Mini Community. That's why ive continued to stick around here! =)

 

I like v-dubs, but what a snoozer of an interior. Not that Mini's is perfect, but what can I say? I like toggle switches.

 

I like the interior of the Gti a little better then the mini. My cabin doesnt rattle Blue gauge lights are nice and the leather seats are amazing. They grip just like the sparco's I used to have in my mini. But i miss the exterior styling of the mini. I am liking the 2.0T though. Its gunna be fairly easy to get power out of it. Already going APR stage 2 with it. Its hard to find good online retailers for the Gti. I never had that issue with the mini, especially with the NAM vendor listings and all.