With the Volkswagen Golf GTI now finally launched in India, we take a look at how the hot hatch compares to its only competition here, the Mini Cooper S, on paper. It should be noted that both these premium go-faster hatchbacks are CBU imports and are brought in limited numbers. While the first Golf GTI batch of 150 units has been entirely booked, Volkswagen is planning to bring a second batch of 100 units later this year.
- VW Golf GTI is larger and more powerful than Mini Cooper S
- Standard Cooper S is more affordable than the Golf GTI by Rs 8.1 lakh
Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Mini Cooper S: exterior dimensions
VW Golf GTI is a full segment larger than the Mini Cooper S
It is rather obvious that the Golf GTI is larger than the Cooper S on every metric – from length and wheelbase to tyre and boot size. This is further accentuated by the fact that the Volkswagen is a 5-door model, while the Mini is a 3-door hatch; so rear passengers will have more room in the Golf GTI.
| 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 |
Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Mini Cooper S: engine and performance
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: 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 |
Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Mini Cooper S: price
Mini Cooper S JCW Pack most expensive at Rs 55.90 lakh
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 JCW Pack (Rs 55.90 lakh). On the other hand, the Rs 53 lakh price of the VW Golf GTI places it on the higher-end of the Mini Cooper S range. On paper then, the German hot hatch is more spacious, bigger in size, and has more power and performance; all of that at a comparable price.
| Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Mini Cooper S: price (ex-showroom, India) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Golf GTI | Cooper S | |
| Price | Rs 53 lakh | Rs 44.90-55.90 lakh |
Also see:
Mini Cooper S review: Legacy of fun
2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI review: Bucketloads of fun, for a price