Finally found time to visit MINI of Peabody and check out the Clubman; there were a few there – and one was unlocked so I could try the extra leg room …
I adjusted the front seat to give me lots of comfortable leg room, then sat in the back – the fact that I could sit there, although leg room was tight, demonstrates the effectiveness of the increased size (in a regular MINI, the front seat would be touching the back seat!).
More appreciated was the extra side / shoulder room, presumably because the rear wheels are further back so intrude less.
I didn’t think there was much extra trunk space, although rear door storage pockets might be useful for something …
I do think the Clubman will be successful, although it now has to compete more directly with other small but not MINI cars; that market might be more sensitive to price than to the styling and (hopefully) performance benefits that the Clubman offers. However I don’t see a Clubman in my future since, like the R56, it can’t offer the connectedness that I am used to in my “first gen” MINIs …
M&I / GBMINI 
There’s actually quite a bit more storage space under the floor of the boot. And there’s even a “secret” compartment under that as well.
The chocolate brown interior looks nice. Can’t say I’m as interested in the exterior color. Definitely not together.
I really like the wheels on that chocolate Clubman. If I wasn’t so sold on 15″ wheels and tires, I’d seriously consider buying a set for my car. 🙂
a little too much brown for this surfer dude. Love the Lazer Blue and the other red.
I find the boot area interesting. As Gabe mentioned, there is storage under the boot floor AND the boot floor can be completely removed for another ~6″ of depth. The “subfloor” can also be removed and, on the Cooper, the spare tire is revealed. On the Cooper S, there is no spare…just a Styrofoam insert for tool storage.
It turns out that the boot area with it’s floor completely removed accommodates our (large) dog when he is standing. This is with the back seats in the up with the backs in the standard position.
The Clubman also benefits from the adjustable rear seat latches found on the Coupe. This allows one or both of the rear seats to be latched-up in a straight-up (vertical) position. This means the boot area of the Clubman can be maximized by not having the rear seats “raked” into the boot area.
We just took delivery of our Hot Chocolate/Silver Clubman S. The car is really sweet. Instead of opting for the pricier “cocoa” interiors, we went with the standard sport leatherette seats, checkered dash and Gotham Grey door panels and interior trim. The end result is a surprinsingly good looking cabin and the grey trim helps to add a fairly airy ambience to the interior.
I will be putting together a review in the coming week..Stay tuned.
Congratulations 🙂