I wanted both, so I went for broke... now I have an utterly loaded MINI, and an utterly unloaded wallet!

I went for broke, and I found it.

 

I personally don't need a fast car...quick and nimble is fine for my use. I also don't require/want a lot of amenities...a few select ones will do. So I got a Cooper with a few select options. The fewer amenities in my case equated into a fairly lightweight R50, so I was meeting my desired goals on both fronts. Four years later I still consider it perfect. I plan to get an '08 R56 and I'll spec it virtually the same.