As MB states, the new gearbox came in with the facelift so they should all be on 54 plate or later. Thats not to say some un-reged post-facelift won't be regged as a 54. But if its got the revised bumpers/lights/clock in the speedo etc its got the new gearbox.
They will also have the revised grille with only 3 slats not 4, and the smooth surround.
They were available before November though, as mine was registered in October. When I went for a test drive back in August 04, I had to do so in the convertible as at that point the dealers were not allowing test drives with the old box-ed cars but didn't have any of the revised hatches in.
Another bonus is that you can get them in the superb BEP colour
