Petrolheads in India never had the opportunity to witness the performance of true hot hatchbacks flourish. While we did get the Volkswagen Polo GTI and the Fiat Abarth Punto in the past and we still see Hyundai i20 N Line and Tata Altroz Racer on our streets, they can’t be seen as proper hot hatchbacks.
Come May 2025, there are two hot hatches in the country: the Mini Cooper S and the recently launched Volkswagen Golf GTI. Both cars are the true definition of hot hatchbacks, both in terms of look as well as performance. Let’s see how these two German hot hatches fare against each other.
Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Mini Cooper S: Dimensions
Volkswagen Golf GTI has dimensions of 4,282 mm in length, 1,789 mm in width, and 1,483 mm in height, with a wheelbase measuring 2,620 mm. Designed with five doors, the GTI offers added convenience and practicality for families and everyday use. It also boasts a spacious 381-litre boot, providing ample room for luggage and cargo.
| Dimensions | Volkswagen Golf GTI | Mini Cooper S |
| Length (mm) | 4289 | 3876 |
| Width (mm) | 1789 | 1744 |
| Height (mm) | 1471 | 1432 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2495 | 2627 |
| Tyres | 225/40 R18 | 215/45 R17 |
| Bootspace (litres) | 381 | 210-725 |
In comparison, the Mini Cooper S has a more compact profile, measuring 3,876 mm in length, 1,744 mm in width, and 1,432 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,495 mm. This three-door hatchback offers 210 litres of boot space with the rear seats in place, which expands to 725 litres when the seats are folded flat.
Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Mini Cooper S: Engine & Performance
Both the Golf GTI and the Mini Cooper S come with 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines mated to 7-speed automatic transmissions. The Golf GTI, however, stands out with its higher performance figures—producing 261 hp and 370 Nm of torque. This enables it to sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in just 5.9 seconds, with a top speed of 250 kmph. In contrast, the Mini Cooper S delivers 201 bhp and 300 Nm of torque, reaching 0 to 100 kmph in 6.6 seconds and achieving a top speed of 242 kmph.
| Specifications | Volkswagen Golf GTI | Mini Cooper S |
| Engine | 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol | 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol |
| Power | 261 bhp | 201 |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed DCT automatic | 7-speed DCT automatic |
| Top speed | 250 kmph (limited) | 242 kmph |
| 0–100 kmph | 5.9 sec | 6.6 sec |
Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Mini Cooper S: Price
Prices for the Mini Cooper S currently starts at Rs 44.90 lakh for the base variant. It is also offered with a range of additional packages, including the Classic Pack priced at Rs 50.45 lakh, the Favoured Pack at Rs 53.40 lakh, and the newly introduced Cooper S JCW Pack, which costs Rs 55.90 lakh. On the other hand, the VW Golf GTI is offered in a single trim priced at Rs 52 lakh (all prices ex-showroom).
