Thanks for your reply,
I guess the only way to decide what’s better is to test drive both manual and automatic,the extra £500 for the premium plus is a bargain if you want the auto..I built my own mini JCW (on the mini website) Green,Red roof matching wing mirrors,piano interior,active suspension,JCW bonnet strips,darkened rear glass,17 inch tyres(don’t like run flat).I contacted the dealership and they’ve taken the JCW off their system ,but it’s available on the Mini website,I guess it up to the dealerships what cars they offer.If I can find a dealership that offers a JCW I would settle just to have a sit in one for starters.