If fuel consumption and running costs are an issue, forget the S unless you're going for a new model (turbo), even then it's not exactly thrifty.
In real terms, I found little difference between the previous generation One and Cooper in terms of consumption, but the S will cost more and about £300 a year in road tax too.
Cooper with Chilli is a pretty safe, mid range buy that should also sell pretty well...
Lots of choices in your price range really! Not too helpful really. |