Mini have kept close to heratige design, though its far from the original 1300gt JCW. The split screens are modern and I personally like that look along with the configurability of some screens being more than others i.e sat nav swiped onto the drivers display seen, to the choice of analogue or digital displays and theu all look different when lit up. Its fairly new seen a 3rd screen or a small screen where the two big screens joins in mainstream cars, having recently started filter down from premium brands like BMW & Merc. Also modern is fabric materials on dashboards, whils’t most likely a cost cutting exercise for manufacturers, durability is perhaps questionable, especially where you children are concerned.
Interiors with a sea of black has long been the norm and most often require at cost options to change that and I don’t think that trend will buck anytime soon. However, as EV’s change the landscape of what has been the norm, manufacurers like Kia/Hyundai and in some cases Renault do offer lighter 2 tone interiors as standard in lower trim cars and not soley in flagship options.
Unfortunately having a small budget means your going to sacrifice one thing for something else.
The Enyak 85kWh might be worth a look, its different take on a dashboard, its larger so can be grown into and available in cognac (not sure of cost) @MFillingham.