Snap! Had mine booked in today and had the water pump replaced. Has solved the problem good and proper. Seems like there's a batch of dodgy ones going round. However, Cooper Chelmsford seem to be saying that's the first time they've had that from a very new MINI.
Whilst they finished cleaning it, I popped along to have a look at the
JCW they had in the showroom

. T'was very nice

. Personally, I don't think I can justify the extra few grand for the 40 extra bhp and other extras based on the lack of a test drive (which you cant go on unless you're really interested in signing an order). However, the salesman that dealt with my
MCS (who saw me pop in) said it is an extremely good car and rapid.