Gen coupe FTW. Wait for the R-Spec to come out should be around the price of a premium 2.0T ($24K-ish?). You get the track pkg but w/o sunroof, HID's, cruise control and some other little things to reduce weight. But u have the track tuned suspension and Brembos which are a plus in my book.

 

TDI get something rediculous like 45mpg on the highway.

My wife has a Cooper S, no fun on the highway. Short wheelbase makes for very crappy ride over expansion joints in the road. Great around town though.

Tough call man, good luck which ever way you go.