Which Elise to Buy?

I'm thinking of buying a new Elise and wondered if anyone could give any 
advice on which model to buy?

I'm thinking of a Mk1 111s, and looking to spend about 12k.  My main
concern 
is I don't want another car where I have to rev it to the red line to get 
the real performance out of it.  Although I guess with the Elise's having 
the VVC engines this will probably be the case.  I thought with the 111s' 
extra power it might be more drivable than the standard version?

One other thought was to go for a VX220 instead, with a bigger engine I 
figure it will be more drivable around town?  Don't know if there's anyone

who's owned/driven both and can offer an opinion?

Thanks for any advice

regards

Dave