Gotcha, I could see lounge leather not being for everyone...as for the cold, I guess it's all relative.
FWIW, the sports suspension is slightly more than just beefier sway bars. From Mini product manager Jeff Stracco by way of Motoringfile:
The sports suspension rides like a Caddy compared to my CRX with some aggressive coilovers, but that's not saying much. I'd definitely check it out if you're not necessarily going to go crazy with track days and all...

 

Great info, thanks. I will add the sports suspension. I am going to go with the brushed alloy trim. I am now wobbling on the lounge seats .. damn, this is harder than it should be... But still fun! Thanks for all the imput. The passion on this board mirrors the Porsche boards. We do love our cars.

 

No worries...I think a Porsche guy could appreciate the sports suspension.

For me, the hardest part was narrowing down the spec, though it was definitely fun.

 

I have the brushed alloy w/ pacific blue color trim, and chrome interior rings. With the basic leatherette seats, the extras really brings out the special nature of the car. Everyone who sits in it smiles. It just looks and feels good.
Also, I live in L.A. and got the 6 speed. Traffic can be a royal pain, but I find a few times a day to race it up and down through the gears that seems to make it all worth it.