VW Golf GTI vs Mini Cooper S – Battle of Luxury Hatchbacks

It is not all that often that we come across a comparison post between two luxury hatchbacks in India

In this post, we compare the new VW Golf GTI and the Mini Cooper S in terms of specs, price and features. The German car marque has launched the fully-imported Golf GTI in India. It aims to cater to the true driving aficionados, who have deep pockets. Bearing the title of one of the most iconic hot hatchbacks in the world, the Golf GTI certainly showcases the best that VW has to offer. On the other hand, Mini Cooper is a niche luxury brand which is known for its unique and distinct products. Let us compare the two in depth here.

VW Golf GTI vs Mini Cooper S – Price

The new VW Golf GTI is available in a single, fully-loaded variant which bears a price tag of a whopping Rs 53 lakh, ex-showroom. Even this is introductory price. Note that all 150 units allotted to India have been reserved. That is testament to the demand of this hot hatch. On the other hand, the Mini Cooper S starts at Rs 44.90 lakh and goes all the way up to Rs 55.90 lakh, ex-showroom. Hence, the top trims of both these cars are comparable.

VW Golf GTI vs Mini Cooper S – Specs

The new VW Golf GTI uses a potent 2.0-litre TSI turbo petrol mill which generates a whopping 265 hp and 370 Nm of maximum power and torque, respectively. Performing the transmission duties is a familiar 7-speed DSG (DCT) gearbox. This configuration enables a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 5.9 seconds. It gets disc brakes on both wheels, along with independent front and rear suspension. There are chunky 18-inch alloy wheel,s and the wheelbase is 2,627 mm.

On the other hand, the Mini Cooper S comes with BMW’s 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, churning out a substantial 201 hp and 300 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. Even this engine pairs with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission for an impressive performance. This propels the unique hatchback from 0 to 100 km/h in a matter of 6.6 seconds. Unlike the VW Golf GTI, the Mini Cooper S is a 3-door car with a wheelbase of 2,495 mm.

Features Comparison

Being luxury hatchbacks, these vehicles come equipped with the latest tech and convenience amenities to pamper the occupants. Let us check out the top highlights of the new VW Golf GTI first:

• 12.9-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display
• 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro
• 7-speaker Immersive Sound System
• Wireless Charging
• IDA Voice Control
• Wired and Wireless App-Connect
• 7 Airbags
• XDS Electronic Front Differential Lock
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Assist
• Front Assist
• Rear View Camera
• Park Distance Control
• Scalepaper Plaid Seats with Red Accents
• 30-colour Ambient Lighting
• Leather-wrapped Steering Wheel
• Paddle Shifts
• Panoramic Sunroof
• 3-zone Climatronic AC
• Rear AC Vents with Temperature Control
• Keyless Start

Similarly, even the Mini Cooper S comes with the latest tech and convenience functionalities to pamper the occupants. These include:

• Head-up Display
• Electric Seat Adjustment with Memory Function for Driver
• Tyre Pressure Indicator
• Panoramic Sunroof
• Teleservices
• Remote Engine Start
• Harman Kardon Surround Sound System
• Interior Camera
• Round 240 mm Centre Display with OLED Screen
• Driver Assistance Systems
• Automatic Climate Control
• Air Purifier
• Cruise Control
• Keyless Entry
• Voice Commands
• Cooled Glovebox
• Leather Upholstery
• Wireless Charging
• Tons of Safety Features

My View

I believe there are clear use cases for these cars. If you are someone who is looking for a pure driver’s car and loves to take long trips, the VW Golf GTI is certainly the one for you. In fact, that is the most tempting appeal of this proposition. However, if you want something unique and more catered towards comfort and convenience, the Mini Cooper S should be your pick. In any case, you can’t go wrong with either of these.

Also Read: MS Dhoni Spotted in his Vintage MINI Cooper – VIDEO