Blubelle (my 09/02 production MCS) in in the shop for treatment of the "cold-weather rattle". So I have the pleasure of experiencing a MINI loaner car courtesy of my dealer.
My loaner is a PS/B MC with packages 1,2 and 3, leatherette, anthracite interior and 5-spd. Overall impression is of a nice attractive package, although the anthracite interior combined with the black seats is a little too dark for my tastes. (I have the Lapis blue and alloy patina combo in my car, which is much, much lighter). The new OBC is great, as it now gives digital speed readout and instant MPG figures in addition to all the other features I have on my older version. DSC works well, just like that on my MCS (we have lots of ice on the roadways now, so a review is obligatory) I like the gearing of the 5-speed, it covers in five what my MCS covers in six. That said, I think that the six speed should be used in all manual MINIs, especially the MC as the additional gear allows for more exact rpm to mph matching for better economy or performance. The two spoke MFSW (steering wheel) now comes with nubs at 10 and 2 o'clock to rest your thumbs, an improvement over my earlier type of wheel.
Power is adequate, although it is WAY DOWN from my pulleyed beastie. It's even more motorcycle like (gotta keep those revs up) due to lack of torque. This can be a good thing, as the engine loves to rev.
Handling is completely on par with the MCS in similar on-road driving conditions. But like I said, the streets are icy now and I really couldn't push the car too much.
All in all, I like the loaner a lot, however I do miss the extra ponies, and the extra gear in the tranny.

p.s. reverse is on the other side on the 5-spd.

 

Cool. As an 04 owner, it's interesting to hear about little details that weren't there in prior years. I thought those handy lumps at 10 and 2 on the wheel were always there. I'm a big fan of having the digital speed in the OBC window too.

I agree about the power difference, and my S is stock. The main reason I went for the S over the MC is the low-end torque of the supercharged version.

 

Yeah the "sports steering wheel" with the thumbs and perforated leather was introduced first in the MCS in Mid-2003 production. '02 and early '03 MCS have the plain old steering wheel (Just as my Cooper CVT does).

Since I also own a '02 Cooper, its been fun noting the build quality and improvements made to the car in the last 2 years. There are other "hidden" details in my '04 MCS, missing or not present in my '02.