I'm abroad for the week so internet access is sporadic. You are all making some good points here.
I'm really finding it hard to get the M135i out of my mind, really did make me smile! I didn't feel in danger of losing my licence, but watching the speedo when near cameras is a must. (EDIT: if. You're worried about this kind of thing you can set the car to alert you when you exceed certain speeds, say 30 and 70). I don't think it's credible to say the M-lite interior isn't as good as the GTI. The Nav unit is a class above, the leather is great and the dashboard is significantly better. That's not to say the GTI isn't great, but the M-lite has it beat on the inside in the same way the GTI wins out on the outside, it's hard to see how either of those could be up for debate really.
The thing is the M-lite has a bunch of down sides. Fuel Eco, exterior looks, tire costs, insurance and tax, a little bit less space. Does the sheer brilliance of its engine, rear wheel drive, 8speed auto and interior quality compensate enough? Hmmm. So top of the class in some areas, mediocre in others.
In contrast the GTI is a safe bet, it does everything well with no downsides... Both cars average top scores, but the GTI does it by being jack of all, master of none. the M-lite does it by mastering a few things and doing just enough to avoid a fail in others. does that make sense? But at the spec I ordered I'm struggling to feel the GTI is a good deal compared to the M-lite. I could dump all my options bar the Nav unit, keyless and rear cam. Alternately I could push BMW for a £30k deal and probably get it or close... I'd be driving away the next day.
I have to say guys it's a really tough choice. Good thing the outcome is awesomeness in both cases!
@Jimble, I do my work in short, hyper-productive periods... Then I wait weeks for everyone else to catch up.

that's how I'm telling it anyway, heh heh.
