2018 MINI Clubman vs 2018 VW Golf Comparison

Curb Appeal

The 2018 VW Golf is hard to distinguish from many other hatchbacks today. By contrast, the 2018 MINI Clubman has undeniable curb appeal. The iconic look has a long history, but the Clubman puts a modern spin on it. The aerodynamically sculpted sheet metal and large air ducts make it clear that this is a 2018 MINI with all of the modern features that implies. Color contrasting roofs come in white, black, or, in some cases, a color that MINI calls melting silver. Furthermore, a MINI has a menu of exciting graphics. Finally, there’s the barn doors that swing out instead of up, giving the hatch its distinctively different appearance.

Cabin Design

Frankly, the MINI interior is just as unique. There are eight choices in upholstery compared to just a few in the Golf. Top-shelf finishers are paired with your choice of five high-end leathers. For instance, you can choose Chesterfield leather with quilted stitching and a porcelain-like off-white trim. Even when you choose the best they’ve got, you just can’t get anything this customized from Volkswagen. Another select feature is the available panoramic sunroof. This puts 11 square feet of glass overhead to give you the feeling of openness that comes from a convertible. Often compared with the Golf’s size, the MINI Clubman has a bigger, four-door design than the regular two-door MINI. Ready to run circles around the competition, the MINI's dashboard has striking round elements such as the air vents and central touchscreen. The base edition wears premium leatherette seats in stark contrast to the Volkswagen's cloth seats. Furthermore, it has a 17.5-cu.ft. hold, making it on par with the Golf. New safety features include its adaptive cruise control and head-up display. MINIs also have eight airbags, two more than the Golf.

Drivability

Like its conservative looks, the Golf offers predictable engine choices that can veer toward fun in the more expensive GTI or R designs. The racing heritage of the MINI brand is built right into the Clubman. Clubmans start you off with a three-cylinder turbo. This little machine can achieve a top speed of 130 mph, but it can earn up to 40 mpg highway*. It has 162 lb.-ft. of torque for real kick whenever you need it. One of the MINI’s secrets is its boost button. You hit that and the torque level shoots up for a faster 0 to 60 sprint every time. If you want more, it’s not a huge jump to the exciting John Cooper Works edition. The JCW engine kicks out 228 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. Regardless of your choice of engines, you get better weight to horsepower ratios due to the MINI’s lightweight build. Furthermore, you have special driving modes with Sport, Mid or Green choices.

If your personality demands fun from a car, skip the VW Golf and take a test drive in the sporty 2018 MINI Clubman. You are sure to appreciate all of the ways it will serve your needs.