Welcome Trellis,
I pity you! I had to wait a month before I collected my Sherbet Blue 1.4 ES i Shift. Best thing I ever did. I've covered 1000 miles plus (it was a demonstrator with 2.5 K on the clock) I'm getting up to 56 mpg and very pleased with that. You've no doubt read the debate about the i Shift and have drawn your own favourable conclusion. I consider it to be the best of all worlds; full auto mode when you want it and the more spirited 'manual' mode when you need it. Add the paddles to boot and it all equals an excellent package. I downgraded from a Volvo estate auto and frankly have no regrets; I seem to pack in as much into Bluebell (my wife has an Orchid Yellow '04 plate called Primrose!!). Any way, patience is a virtue and the time will whistle by until you get your jazz. Enjoy when you get it and safe motoring. ;