Premium, imported hot hatchbacks from VW and Mini go head to head on paper.
With Volkswagen Golf GTI prices set to be announced on May 26, we take a look at how the hot hatch compares to its only competition in India, the Mini Cooper S, on paper. It should be noted that both these premium go-faster hatchbacks are CBU imports, and sold in limited numbers. While the Golf GTI is expected in a single variant, the Mini is available in a total of four variants.
- Volkswagen Golf GTI larger, more powerful than Mini Cooper S
- Golf GTI price expected to be less than top-spec Cooper S JCW Pack
Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Mini Cooper S exterior dimensions
| Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Mini Cooper S: dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Golf GTI | Cooper S | |
| Length | 4282mm | 3876mm |
| Width | 1789mm | 1744mm |
| Height | 1483mm | 1432mm |
| Wheelbase | 2620mm | 2495mm |
| Tyres | 225/40 R18 | 215/45 R17 |
| Boot space | 381 litres | 210-725 litres |
VW Golf GTI is a full segment larger than the Mini Cooper S
It is rather obvious that the Golf is larger than the Mini on every metric – from length and wheelbase to tyre and boot size. This is further accentuated by the fact that the VW is a 5-door model, while the Cooper is a 3-door hatch; so rear passengers will have more room in the Golf GTI.
Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Mini Cooper S engine and performance
| Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Mini Cooper S: powertrain | ||
|---|---|---|
| Golf GTI | Cooper S | |
| Engine | 2.0-litre, 4-cyl, turbo-petrol | 2.0-litre, 4-cyl, turbo-petrol |
| Power | 265hp | 204hp |
| Torque | 370Nm | 300Nm |
| Gearbox | 7-speed dual-clutch auto | 7-speed dual-clutch auto |
| 0-100kph (claimed) | 5.9s | 6.6s |
| Top speed (claimed) | 250kph (limited) | 242kph |
Golf GTI outperforms Cooper S on paper
While both hot hatchbacks are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, the Volkswagen makes 61hp and 70Nm more. This also translates to quicker claimed 0-100kph times for the Golf GTI, and a higher claimed top speed.
Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Mini Cooper S price estimate
| Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Mini Cooper S: price estimate (ex-showroom, India) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Golf GTI | Cooper S | |
| Price | Rs 52 lakh (est) | Rs 44.90-55.90 lakh |
Golf GTI likely to be priced between Cooper S and JCW Pack
The Mini Cooper S is currently priced from Rs 44.90 lakh for the base model, and is available with the Classic Pack (Rs 50.45 lakh), Favoured Pack (Rs 53.40 lakh), and the recently launched Cooper S JCW Pack (Rs 55.90 lakh). As we’ve been reporting, the Volkswagen Golf GTI’s price is expected to be around Rs 52 lakh, which would place it on the higher-end of the Mini Cooper S range. On paper then, the German hot hatch is more spacious, is bigger in size, and has more power and performance is at a comparable price.
Also see:
Mini Cooper S review: Legacy of fun
