I just traded in my 95 Cooper for an Clubman S. I love love love this car (had it for 3 days). It drives a little smoother than the Cooper, but still just as zippy (S whereas my Cooper was a Justa). One of the "negative" reviews I read on the Clubman said their turning ratios weren't nearly as good. So, I purposefully zipped into a tight turn and a parkingspace, with no more trouble than I woulda with my Cooper.
I have 2 small dogs that fit fine in the cooper. But, my recumbent bike wouldn't. I can (barely) get my bike in the back of the Clubman.
My truck is also for sale, when I had the Cooper, I also had a truck for going to the recycle or major shopping, or... Now I don't feel I need it anymore.
But, I will be ordering a Sportsrig Trailer sometime soon.

 

I've wanted a Cooper for about 5 years, but I could never justify the purchase (I have 3 boys. When I sit in a Cooper, my seat touches the back seat). We can all ride in the Clubman together. Still have to take the Suburban when my wife comes along, but that is only one Sundays (I guess we don't get out much).

 

1. That 9". It doesn't sound like a lot til you see the difference..

2. A husband who is 6'7"

3. Dogs

4. Didn't always want to have to say that we couldn't take my car because it was too small.

For my lifestyle, the Cooper was a little too small; my Suburbans had gotten too big (kids grown and gone) but the Clubman is juuuust right (as Goldilocks would say).

 

We chose the Clubman because:

• We could fit the baby seat carrier between the door seal and the back of the passenger seat. In the hatchback, I would have to tilt it sideways. I was told that it wouldn't be a good idea, with the baby. The club door makes it so easy to put the carrier in the base located in the back seat. I don't even have to stick my head or leg in to perform this operation.
• This vehicle is replacing our beloved Volkswagen EuroVan diesel...yeah.
• I wanted a 3 series, but it was actually easier to put the baby in and out of the Clubman. I even had a difficult time trying to fit the stroller in the back of the 3 series...had to force it in. With the Clubman, it's too easy.
• The cargo area is actually useful in the Clubman...the hatchback, not so much.
• My other car is an M3, so I really didn't need another sports car.

Good luck!

 

Drive the Clubman and Cooper. The Clubman had a bit better ride, due to the whopping extra 9".

If you need to store ANYTHING, the Cooper has very little room. I love the rear storage in the Clubman.
You get multiple sub-levels, too.

I changed from a Cooper S to Clubman S as the order was being entered into the Mini system by my sales dude.
No regrets...I still wonder about which color I should have!