LMAO, nice one Strange comparo indeed. I'd take the Golf between those two, but the Mini is a cool car!!!

The MINI and GTI are very much compeitiors, if you ask me at least. Maybe there's some perspective that I'm missing here? Regadless, the MINI embodies dynasim, practicality, desirability, and above all it's fun to drive, which counts for more than anything else for some people, especially me. The GTI on the other hand is very accomplished but hampered by a lack of dedication to driving, because for all the hp and tech it may have, nothing can overcome the cons of it's basic design with the engine ahead of the front wheels and a higher center of gravity. Perhaps the Scirocco will close the gap between the VeeDub hot hatch and the MINI, though I think it will take a lot more than a lap around the Nurbrigring.

In conclusion I don't think anyone needs to guess which one I'd take.

Sure Deutsch, from a driving dynamic point of view I'd also take a Mini over a GTI. But, it'd be the regular 3 door Cooper S. The Clubman offers me no tangible value whatsover over the regular Cooper. The gains in practicality are neglible - it's not like the Clubman turned the Mini into a family hauler overnight. Luggage space and legroom? I'd then buy one size up and realise the penalties for going this route (as you say, less effective technical packaging, higher C of G...) and get myself a GTI.

Like I said, Cooper S; terrific thrills and spills. The Clubman, on the other hand, makes unnecessary concessions without quantifiable value whilst looking like some daft throwback. I think it's cheesy.