VW’S GTI TAKES ON MINI’S CLUBMAN These two sporty hatches have more in common than you might think
Driving. ca automotive journalists Paul Choi and Nick Tragianis compare the Volkswagen GTI and an unlikely competitor, the redesigned Mini Cooper S Clubman. Nick Tragianis: On first glance, I didn’t think these two cars would compare with each other. Let’s face it, “mini” isn’t the first word I’d use to describe the Mini lineup. Have you seen the new Clubman? Not only does it have a mouthful of a name, it has definitely put on some weight, to the point where it’s a little difficult to classify exactly what it is. Long hatchback? Six-door wagon? Funky compact crossover? Whatever you want to call it, one thing’s for sure: it’s surprisingly fun, especially in Cooper S Clubman trim.
That only makes things more complicated, because it has the goods to be a hot-hatch alternative. Don’t believe me? It’s got a 189-horsepower turbo-four, a six-speed manual and an exhaust that loves to burble and pop when you play with the gofast pedal. Of course, being a hot hatch isn’t easy, because you’ve got the Volkswagen GTI to deal with, a.k.a. the nearly undisputed champ in the segment. Paul Choi: Indeed, on paper I thought there’d be no comparison. The GTI has been the gold standard for sporty hatchbacks since the Mark 1 debuted in 1974. The current Mark 7 lives up to the legacy of the badge, with a turbo-four engine that produces 210 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in the base model, and a body built on the new, weight-conscious MQB platform.
Certainly, I believed the GTI, with its superior power, smaller footprint and lighter weight, would handily beat the Clubman, but on the road, the differences aren’t quite as noticeable. The Clubman, thanks to its six-speed manual, feels more engaging and involved. And as for performance, it feels almost the equal of the GTI, which is a surprise, given the big difference in torque (the Clubman peaks at 207 lb-ft).
I credit the standard transmission for helping to draw out the power as needed. But that’s not to say the GTI is a laggard by any means. While it would be more fun with a stick shift, the car’s DSG dual-clutch transmission is very smooth and smarter about doling out the power, despite some jerky shifts at lower speeds. And getting up to speed in a real hurry is no problem. It just feels more civilized while doing so, and that may not be what shoppers in this segment are looking for. NT: Oh, for sure. That’s the thing about the sporty-compact world: there’s a ton of choice. The GTI and Cooper S Clubman occupy two distinct ends of the market, and the GTI is easily the best daily driver of these two. It looks sharp but doesn’t stand out, the interior quality is top notch and the driving dynamics are more than enough to put a smile on your face if your time behind the wheel includes commuting and routinely tearing up autocross courses.
The GTI is also undoubtedly practical and well equipped, if a little pricey. Our model was equipped with the Performance Package. For $39,495, with the dual-clutch automatic, the package adds a 10-hp bump and a number of extra goodies. They include a blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise control and VW’s Dynamic Chassis Control system, which lets you play around with various driving modes that adjust anything and everything, from the sensitivity of the steering and throttle response, to how soon the transmission shifts and even the volume of the exhaust. That’s a lot of expensive kit; much of which might leave a sour taste in the mouths of enthusiasts.
The Mini is a bit more polarizing, though. How does that stack up against the GTI as far as equipment and livability goes? PC: Definitely, the GTI would be my choice for daily driving, especially if you’ve got a long commute. I found the seats were more comfortable in the GTI, and the cabin felt more premium and well put together. By contrast, the Mini feels a step behind in features and interior comfort, despite costing almost as much as the GTI, with an astested price of $38,420.
For this price, the Mini Clubman comes with a panoramic sunroof, heated leatherette seats, LED headlights, and nice 18-inch wheels. Typical Mini touches abound, such as a 6.5inch screen ringed by LEDs that change colour, depending on which driving mode you have engaged (red for sport, green for eco), and a door-mounted spotlight that flashes the Mini logo on the ground at night when you step out. The car’s look is all Mini as well, with a quirky face and unmistakable profile that stand out next to the more conservatively styled GTI.
But the Clubman lacks certain features found in the GTI, such as a blind-spot monitor, collision-warning system, a self-parking function and Apple CarPlay. NT: In the end, this comes down to what you want out of a speedy and practical compact car that loves to have fun. The GTI might very well be the better-equipped daily driver and both are practical and flexible, but I’ll take the Mini. I might lose some sleep over the company’s track record for long-term reliability, but the quirks are very endearing, the design sets it apart in a crowd, and the engine and transmission combo is bound to induce its fair share of smiles, especially when the exhaust burbles and pops in Sport mode. What’s your pick, Paul? PC: All valid points in favour of the Mini, Nick. But if this were my money, I’d put it on the GTI. It can have fun, too, and let’s not forget you can equip it with a six-speed manual if your heart desires. I don’t think you should forgo comfort and advanced tech just because you want a sporty compact, and, unfortunately, the Mini fails to excel in those areas. As it is, the GTI presents the best overall package in my eyes, with superior power, better build quality, and more connectivity and safety tech. And, compared to the Mini, the VW will probably hold its resale value better, too.