Sounds to me like I've got to put 1 back seat down for my golf clubs, snowboard, etc. whether I get a Clubman or a Hatchback... the extra space really just seems to give passengers in back a little more leg room... so unless you're carrying 3-4 passengers on a regular basis (which I no longer do), I don't see any advantage to the Clubman...

So, I guess my original question should be... if you don't need a "family" car and we assume the ride and performance of the Clubman and Hatchback are virtually even, which would you buy? Or maybe the question is simply, do you like the "look" of the Clubman better than the Hatchback?

 

I just liked the clubman. Didn't care about space, just wanted it. Very happy.

 

I like the Clubman . . .but I like my coupe way better. It looks more sporty where as the Clubman just seems more of a "grown up" car to me. I could see my dad driving it, but not me. lol

 

I'm someones' (elses) dad and I love mine! The MC seemed very cramped in the back, even if I didn't have two kids to think about. Anyway, I don't care what anyone else thinks, my MCCS is alright!

 

Don't get me wrong..I still like them In fact, I wish my dad would trade his convertable S in for one.

 

No worries, I knew what you meant.

 

I like the longer wheelbase, tracks better... I drive alot and have driven regular coopers... I love the long roofline and the wagon look...

very happy with the clubman...

 

That suicide door is pretty cool....

 

YES! While I did consider the extra space in my decision, other factors were involved as well. First and foremost though, I think the Clubman looks better. Don't get me wrong, I love all three models. I just prefer the Clubman.

 

While the extra space was a deciding factor, we just like the look of the Clubman. We plan to drive it to North Carolina in late May and look forward to seeing how we like the long ride in it. I'm almost sure it won't be as "cushy" as our Acura TL but we knew that going forward with the purchase.

 

Artful Mini postulated:
>> ...so unless you're carrying 3-4 passengers on a regular basis (which I no longer do), I don't see any advantage to the Clubman..<<

I must respectfully disagree. The biggest advantage of the Clubman over the regular Mini is the extended wheelbase. This offers, obviously, more legroom for rear seat passengers. In addition to that, you also reap the benefits of a much smoother ride because of the extra wheelbase, especially on our nation's rapidly-deteriorating highways. That 3-4 inches really smooths out the ride and makes for a much more enjoyable long-distance trip. It also moves the center of gravity towards the rear makiing the car better balanced.

In addition, the club doors allow you to open only one side if need be and makes loading dogs much more easily done. The extra room behind the rear seat really comes in handy if you want to carry just a couple extra bags of groceries home from the market.

The only thing that is missing are some pop-out windows for either the rear side windows or for the barn door windows. Also missing are the front window "wind wings" that ALL cars used to have - those were the greatest, a poor man's air conditioner and a great way to dispose of that roach in a hurry!

 

I replaced a BMW convertible with my ClubmanS.
I could get a set of golf clubs in the BMW trunk and keep it out of sight, which you can't do in the Clubman.
There's just enough space in the Clubman, but none in the Mini.

 

Yup, I traded my 06 MSC for the extra space. My boys 7 & 10 were cramped if the had to sit behind me while driving. The 10 year olds feet reach the floor so not to bad The 7 year old is still in a boost so his feet hit about the middle of the seat. His knees had to be bent 90 degrees the whole time. Now he can even sit behind me driving without issues.

I can definatly notice a differnce in handling from my MCS with sport package. Might be the tires Pirelli vs Continentals. The smoother ride is worth it for me in the "handling" department.

 

Yes, I love the looks of the Clubman. I bought my MINI just the other day based purely off looks I couldve got the Cooper S or the Clubman S, but I think the Clubman is more classic looking and to me it's more aesthetically pleasing.

 

yup...i didn't/don't, and i did.