Auto Express Review: MINI Cooper S Four-Door vs. VW Polo GTI (Video)
In their latest comparison video, Auto Express pits the MINI Cooper S four-door against the Volkswagen Polo GTI. Click through to watch the video and see which car they pick as the winner of this comparison.
In the U.S., the MINI Cooper is often compared to larger cars such as the Volkswagen Golf and GTI due to the dearth of hot hatches. However, it is not certainly the case in other markets where the size of the modern MINI matches up better with smaller hatches such as the Volkswagen Polo. The Polo GTI is the sportier version of the more humble Polo, and like its big brother Golf GTI, the Polo GTI has a turbocharged four cylinder engine, sports suspension, sports seats (with familial tartan plaid), XDS electric front differential, larger wheels, and a more aggressive look. But how does it compare to the MINI Cooper S four-door?
In the UK, the base price for both models is nearly identical. The MINI Cooper S four-door is lighter than the Polo GTI, but doesn’t reach 60 mph as fast as its competitor. Although the MINI’s rear doors are small, they add practicality and there is actually more overall storage space in the MINI than in the Polo GTI. The MINI Cooper S is also more fuel efficient. On paper, both cars appear very evenly matched, however what are they like to drive and what does it take “to separate the great from the good”? While the answer to this question may be subjective, be sure to watch the video and see the final results from AutoExpress.
AutoExpress YouTube Link
<p>Motorweek (PBS Show) – Road Test and review of 2015 Mini Cooper S Hardtop Four Door: <a href="http://www.motorweek.org/reviews/road_tests/2015-mini-cooper-s-hardtop-four-door" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.motorweek.org/reviews/road_tests/2015-mini-cooper-s-hardtop-four-door</a></p>
<p>Also on TV – Episode 3431 Debut 4.03.2015</p>
<p>Golf for US Market (i.e. Polo) made in Mexico. One of the reasons I didn’t even think of buying it. Not buying any car made in Mexico (or China).</p>
<p>Polo and Golf are totally different cars…</p>
<p>Yes I know, and the Polo isn’t sold in the US currently. The GTI is the step up from the Polo and most likely when VW does sell the Polo in the US, it will be made in Mexico too.</p>
<p>Has this been squashed, yet? <a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2014/05/16/bmw-to-build-minis-in-mexico/" rel="ugc">https://www.motoringfile.com/2014/05/16/bmw-to-build-minis-in-mexico/</a></p>
<p>That’s why I purchased an F56 now, as they are still built in Oxford. If they were built in Mexico, I wouldn’t have bought a MINI either.</p>
<p>Interesting video. 7.1 to 60 seems slow, though I think 0 – 60 times are not really a good measuring stick for driving enjoyment and the videos host seems to take a similar philosophy.</p>
<p>Obviously I can’t shop for a Polo in the US, but the interior although high quality seems pretty plain. I have always enjoyed most of the quirkiness of the MINI interior (the Speedo / Tach combo in the F56 has never won me over though, feels like the center stack from the R56 in some ways to me and doesn’t fit in the otherwise very nice interior).</p>
<p>Hopefully the new Clubman doesn’t blunt the driving experience with its slightly larger size. I’m keenly interested in that vehicle myself, and it feels like we’ve been talking about it for a very long time.</p>
<p>Disappointing to see the Polo GTI out accelerate the lighter F55… sad, very very sad</p>
<p>Creed,
I think BMW’s goal with cars is balance. Obviously they could go all the way to 300hp for the MINI if they wanted. But like many of BMW’s cars, the horsepower is balanced with the car’s handling. When I head up to the backroads in the foothills and go into “sport mode” and manual shifting, this car really shines, wonderful steering, great traction, and the car just wants to turn the corner.</p>
<p>A v-6 Camaro is probably quicker than a 328i, but nowhere the car.</p>
<p>Great point! I guess it’s the kid in me that wants it to beat all other cars at everything. I still love my F56 S!</p>
<p>Waitaminute. 5 door vs 3 door?</p>