[colink]

...is not a MINI, but still from the same stable.

My MCS is in at the dealers having a rattle fixed and they have kindly loaned me a BMW 330d Sport auto. What a truly outstanding car!

Over the last few days I've been fortunate enough to have had cause to rack up nearly 1,000 miles, covering a lot of town and motorway driving, plus a wonderful blast on a deserted Scottish road (the A701, for those of you who may know). I always knew the 3 was a keen driver's car, but the combination of that amazing engine, Sport spec suspension and 18" wheels provides a very fast and confidence inspiring drive.

The 3.0 turbo diesel is an awesome engine; incredibly powerful, delivering a constant stream of torque, effortlessly applied through an excellent auto box (I think the auto is far better suited than a manual in this case). The MCS is quicker off the mark, but I think the 3 probably has it on sheer mid-range grunt. 30+ MPG no matter how you drive it provides ironic amusement aswell.

The 330d definately aint as much fun as the MINI, but the power delivery is genuinely addictive, the handling fantastic and they even spec them fairly decently these days. I reckon that when I grow up and welcome the patter of little colink feet, a Touring bodied 330d would be a perfect 'practical' choice.

Of course, the MCS would still be on hand for a true grin-inducing blast...

[Cooper76]

The 330 is a wonderful car. Voted one of the best car's of all-time. We don't get the diesel here in the U.S., but still the same. You get an upgrade on power with the 330 over the S, but an upgrade on handling with the S over the 330. They both get 10's on everything else. So it's a matter of where you want that little something extra, power or handling.

Oh hell, just get both!