I thought S3 before ordering the
JCW. It is a lot more money though. Its £27000 OTR before adding any extras. Plus it will almost certainly depreciate far more than a Mini. The basic Mini
JCW is £21000. Yes the Audi is better equipped in base spec, but you really are paying for the exta power, luxury and quality. (Also id imagine running cost - fuel and servicing - will be noticeably more too).
S3 probably a better car but then you pay for that.