Yeah, Harry. Know just what you mean. Every other front-drive vehicle I’ve driven scrabbles with the fronts at the slightest hint of moisture on a corner – from original Issigonis Mini to Skoda Superb. This little baby BMW, however, considers itself above such antics!
Know what you mean about the Jag too – had an XJS many years back. That would start to chuck the rear out until the very serious mechanical limited slip diff cut in. I have been told that the Mini has an electronic LSD but if you are well-off and quite mad you can update with a mechanical one which never slips, ever. Make it grip like a 4×4!