KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The Golf GTI is Rs 7 lakh more expensive than the Cooper S.
- Cooper S does 0 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds.
- Ground clearance of Golf GTI is 136 mm.
- Both are brought here by CBU route.
Volkswagen Golf GTI has officially landed on Indian soil for a whopping price tag of Rs 53 lakh (ex-showroom), and to everyone's surprise, all 150 units allocated for India are already booked, so even if you're eager to park one in your garage, you'll have no choice but to wait for the next batch. However, there's another sporty hatchback on sale that comes in at a significantly lower price while still offering over 200 horsepower - the Mini Cooper S.
While it may not match the GTI's performance entirely, it still delivers around 75% of the same thrilling experience at a more accessible price point. With that in mind, let's dive into this detailed comparison. And in the meantime, don't forget to join the 91Wheels WhatsApp Channel to stay updated with the latest automotive news and reviews.
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Price Comparsion
Bringing the Golf GTI was a bold move by Volkswagen, as it's a high-performance 5-door hot hatch, and only 150 units of it were imported, with a price tag of Rs 53 lakh, and to everyone's surprise, all of them have already booked. On the other hand, the Mini Cooper S, the 3-door hatchback, is a CBU unit, brought here from the UK, and it costs Rs 44.90 lakh (ex-showroom). Moreover, Cooper is also available with a second variant called - John Cooper Works Trim, but that just brings cosmetic changes, nothing in terms of mechanical upgrades. Between these two - there is a price gap of over Rs 7 lakh before taxes. Clearly, Golf GTI has much more to offer, but Cooper has its own special traits.
Engine Comparison
Both vehicles are FWD and feature a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, with a 7-speed DCT gearbox. Also, both are German engines, not entirely the same, but BMW owns Mini and supplies powertrains to this brand, hence the same. Now, look at their power figures.
| Cars | VW Golf GTI | Mini Cooper S |
| Engine | 2.0L TSI | 2.0L Turbo |
| Power | 265 PS | 204 PS |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Gearbox | 7-DSG | 7-DCT |
| 0 to 100 km/h | 5.9 sec | 6.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 267 km/h | 242 km/h |
Dimensions
Both cars are hatchbacks, but the Mini Cooper S features a 3 door layout, which requires passengers to fold the front seats to sit at the back, which can be tough for people with a large build. This is not the case with the Golf GTI, as it offers great second-row seats with a practical 5-door configuration, and also offers a sizeable boot space. The VW is ahead in terms of practicality and everyday usability from all standpoints. The Cooper S, on the other hand, is a very difficult kind of vehicle. While it can serve as a family car, it does so within certain limitations. It also feels noticeably smaller in terms of overall length and width compared to the Golf GTI.
| Dimensions | VW Golf GTI | Mini Cooper S |
| Length | 4,289 mm | 3,876 mm |
| Width | 1,789 mm | 1,744 mm |
| Height | 1,471 mm | 1,432 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,627 mm | 2,495 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 136 mm | 146 mm |
| Boot Space | 380L | 210 L |
Features
The Golf GTI is currently in its 8.5 generation and is packed with all the modern stuff you would expect. A large 12.9-inch infotainment, 10.25-inch driver's display, sunroof, Level 2 ADAS, 7 airbags and 3-zone climate control, and matrix - LED headlights with welcoming function. So, it's a proper feature-loaded car overall, plus 5-people can easily sit inside as second-row seats are wide. However, the overall plastic quality is a bit disappointing as no one will think of such usage of materials in a car with an asking price of Rs 53 lakh, but this is an issue, and it looses on some features such as large panoramic sunroof, electronically adjustable front seats, 360-parking camera and a premium sound system.
The interior of the Mini Cooper S is truly unique, with its centrepiece being a 240 mm circular OLED central display that controls almost all vehicle functions. Interestingly, there's no dedicated driver's display large circular screen also shows the speed and other essential driving information. Other notable features include a leather-wrapped two-spoke steering wheel, a toggle switch for the gear selector, Level 2 ADAS, a 360-parking camera, panoramic sunroof, multi-drive modes, and customizable ambient lighting. Just like its exterior, the interior of the Cooper S feels equally special and full of character, offering a blend of modern technology and classic Mini charm.
Also Read: Volkswagen Golf GTI First Look Review - Too Hot To Handle
Verdict
This comparison is based on the information available on their respective sites, offering a clear insight into what each car brings to the table. Now, the Golf GTI is very hard to get, but still, if you're chasing that car, then you must be aware of its performance capabilities. In just 5th gear, it achieves its top speed of 267 km/h and comfortably cruises at speeds between 150 km/h to 160 km/h. On the other Cooper S, is also a quick car, but it's not built solely for speed. Instead, it's designed to deliver a class-apart Mini experience, rich in royalty and comfort. However, it does fall short of practicality, and that's a factor that shouldn't be overlooked.
