Wow you are so wrong it's not even funny. I have not had one issue with space with my Mini yet and I carry 3 other people with me quite often.
Wrong. I'm 6ft and my friends are 6ft and taller. THEY DO NOT FIT IN THE BACKSEAT OF THE MINI.
Also the cost of ownership is very low with the Mini because you get 30-32mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. Mini also gives you 3 years of service free when you buy the car. I guess you would have to put tires on it if you drove it hard but other then that I can't really think of a huge cost to owning the car since the insurance is very resonable.
Initial cost + insurance cost + gas cost = Fit being cheaper to run and own during its lifetime. And I said lifetime not the first three years.
The Fit is nice, I drove it when I was looking for vehicles, but it's no more roomy or comfortable then the Mini was, the back seat had maybe a little more room but the car is narrower and you feel that. It also doesn't ride as nice nor does it feel as solid.
You need to see a doctor, because your depth preception is WAY off. The Fit probably has the highest if not one of the highest interior volumes in its class. The Mini just doesn't have as much overall interior space.
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2008-honda-fit-3.htm
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2008-mini-cooper-3.htm
The facts...
The Fit:
Base 4-door hatchback, manual $13,950
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 41.9
Front Head Room, in. 40.6
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.9
Rear Head Room, in. 38.6
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 33.7
The Mini:
Base 2-door regular-length hatchback $18,050
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 24.0
Front Head Room, in. 38.8
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.4
Rear Head Room, in. 37.6
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 29.9
Do you even know what you are talking about when it comes to these cars? Have you driven both? Have you done your research on them?
Its clear you don't know what you're talking about. I have driven every car in this class (remember I work for a car dealer) and the Fit is probably--no is--the best pick because its the most practicality you can get for the money AND its a blast to drive. I'm not saying the Mini is bad, I'm simply stating the facts about the interior space and price issues since this is YSS' thread. He needs to hear X's and O's and not conjecture and pure speculation. If he wants to vote with his head he will choose the VW or Honda. If he chooses with his heart he would choose the Astra or the Mini.