-
Yeah they're an odd car space wise. This will actually be my fourth first generation Mini but my first time buying a Cooper S. In my orchestra playing days I used to be able to fit a double bass, acoustic guitar and luggage for two weeks in the back of one and I actually used to be able to fit my Fort Track in the back of a classic Mini with the wheels off (should really just start buying bigger cars)...
My only issue is that I doubt I'll be able to fit my medium YT Capra in the back, I can't get it into the back of my other halfs R56 Cooper even with the seats down and wheels off (Might be able to squeeze it in with the passenger seat tilted forwards...)...
My GF used to have a Mini Cooper, which I was often stuck with for the occasional weekend, as she always used to ‘borrow’ my M135 when she went up north to visit her sister...... getting a bike in the back was a proper PITA, even with my small bikes.
From memory tho, I think the seats were actually pretty flat when folded down.... not sure getting rid of them completely would have actually made that much more space. Could be totally wrong tho.