2019 MINI Cooper vs 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2019 MINI Cooper retained the charm that made its predecessors iconic, but it had grown in size and sophistication. The latest model featured larger headlights and taillights, a longer front overhang, and a more substantial visual weight over the front wheels. Inside, the classic pie-plate-size speedometer was replaced by a rectangular infotainment screen within a round housing, surrounded by mood lighting. The toggle switches and motorcycle-style gauges remained, joined by an available head-up display. Despite the technological advancements, the 2019 MINI Cooper still conveyed a sense of individuality, though the added complexity was a downside for some enthusiasts.

In contrast, the 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was all about stealth and subtlety. Its 2-box design, honeycomb grille, red accents, and twin exhaust outlets hinted at its performance capabilities. The GTI was available in S, Rabbit Edition, SE, and Autobahn trims, with prices ranging from $27,595 to $37,095. The Rabbit Edition, priced at $28,895, featured gloss black 18-inch wheels, a rear roof spoiler, and side mirror caps. Inside, the GTI's straightforward dashboard design, quality materials, and Clark Plaid cloth upholstery in the S and Rabbit Edition trims added a touch of whimsy. The GTI's conservative styling and attention to detail made it a favorite among those who preferred a low-profile yet capable vehicle.

The 2019 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works (JCW) was the pinnacle of performance for the MINI lineup. It featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 236 pound-feet of torque at 1,250 rpm. With a base curb weight of 2,845 pounds, the JCW could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds with the optional 6-speed automatic transmission, or 6.1 seconds with the 6-speed manual. The JCW Pro Exhaust Valve, controlled via Bluetooth, added a thrilling soundtrack, especially in Sport mode. However, the Pirelli Cinturato P7 all-season tires squealed in sharp corners, and torque steer was noticeable on uneven pavement. The bigger brakes were effective but occasionally inconsistent during aggressive driving.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI also boasted impressive performance, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine now producing 228 horsepower at 4,700 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. The GTI's VAQ limited-slip differential, standard on all trims, maximized traction and reduced understeer. The GTI's handling was exceptional, thanks to its Bridgestone Potenza RE97AS tires and progressive, variable-ratio steering. Acceleration was brisk, with the GTI reaching 60 mph without needing third gear. The ride was stiff, but the adaptive damping suspension available on higher trims helped mitigate this. The GTI's brakes, borrowed from the Golf R, were sensitive and effective, providing confidence during spirited driving.

The 2019 MINI Cooper, even in its 2-door hardtop form, offered surprising practicality. The back seat could accommodate passengers if the front seats were adjusted, and the 8.7-cubic-foot trunk could hold a full-size suitcase and a backpack. With the rear seats folded, the cargo space expanded to 34 cubic feet. The front seats provided a range of adjustments, with significant side bolsters and manual thigh-support extensions. However, the controls prioritized style over function, with chrome toggle switches, unconventional door release handles, and a wireless device charger that consumed valuable storage space.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in practicality, making it an ideal choice for families and driving enthusiasts alike. The front seats were height-adjustable with robust bolsters, available in plaid cloth or leather, and separated by a sliding and height-adjustable center armrest. The dashboard design was straightforward, with clear gauges and sensibly arranged controls. Storage was plentiful, with a cavernous glove box, wide door-panel bins, and a smartphone tray. The backseat offered acceptable comfort, though leg space was tight. The trunk provided 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 52.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A pass-through allowed for long items while retaining 4-passenger seating.

The 2019 MINI Cooper's top-level infotainment system, based on BMW iDrive technology, featured an 8.8-inch display screen, navigation, and MINI Connected Services. It offered voice control, a touchscreen, and physical controls, though the latter were difficult to access. The system sometimes behaved unpredictably, changing screens without input. Wireless charging and Apple CarPlay were available, but Android Auto was not. The Harman Kardon audio system provided impressive sound quality, and the head-up display showed information on a plastic panel. The Parking Assistant helped with parallel parking, though the MINI's small size and excellent visibility made it seem unnecessary.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI's infotainment system varied by trim. The S and Rabbit Edition featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Car-Net App Connect with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mirror Link. The SE trim offered an upgraded system with an 8-inch display, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a 6-month trial of Car-Net Safety & Security services. The Fender premium sound system was available on the SE and standard on the Autobahn, which also included navigation. The Rabbit Edition's system was basic but functional, with some issues pairing an iPhone XS and running Pandora. The adaptive LED front lighting system was standard on all trims except the S, and the Autobahn trim offered a semi-autonomous parking assistant.

The 2019 MINI Cooper's safety features included eight airbags, a reversing camera, and an Active Driving Assistant with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, and a speed-limit information system. Adaptive cruise control was available with the Driver Assistance Package, which also included the Parking Assistant and front parking sensors. However, the Cooper lacked a blind-spot-monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The IIHS rated the Cooper as a Top Safety Pick in 2018, but it lost this rating in 2019. The NHTSA gave it a 4-star overall rating, with a 3-star rating for rear seat occupant protection in a side-impact collision.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered a comprehensive set of safety features. Forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and a blind-spot-monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert were available on the S trim for $450 and standard on the Rabbit Edition. The SE trim added Car-Net Safety & Security services, including automatic collision notification, SOS emergency calling, and Family Guardian alerts. The Autobahn trim included adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and an active blind-spot-monitoring system. All GTIs featured an automatic post-collision braking system. The NHTSA awarded the GTI a 5-star overall rating, while the IIHS gave it high marks, with an Acceptable rating for front passenger protection in the small overlap frontal impact test.