2022 MINI Cooper vs 2023 Subaru WRX

The 2022 MINI Cooper, with its refreshed styling, continued to exude the brand's signature personality, despite its growth over the years. The model featured restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights, complemented by the iconic Union Jack taillights. The interior boasted a new steering wheel and a next-generation infotainment system with a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen display. However, the design changes did not resolve the awkward proportions of the third-generation design, and the new grille arguably accentuated the car's overbite. Inside, the MINI Convertible maintained its retro charm with modern technology, offering a wide range of customization options. The convertible top, which could be lowered in 18 seconds at speeds up to 30 km/h, provided an open-air experience unique to the MINI. Despite its charm, the MINI Convertible prioritized form over function, resulting in a cluttered interior when fully optioned.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru WRX presented a distinct departure from its Impreza roots, with a design that emphasized its performance capabilities. The WRX featured a wide-body look with box fender flares and body cladding that linked it visually to the Subaru Crosstrek and Outback. The signature hood scoop remained functional, feeding air to the intercooler. The WRX's exterior styling conveyed its performance nature, aligning with Subaru's current design theme. Inside, the WRX offered a basic yet durable interior, with the top Sport-Tech trim featuring Ultrasuede upholstery and red stitching. While the WRX's interior was not luxurious, it was practical and offered good visibility, a hallmark of Subaru's design philosophy. However, the lack of a dedicated space for a smartphone was a notable ergonomic flaw.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered a range of engine options, starting with a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds. The Cooper S variant, with its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. The JCW models offered a more thrilling experience with 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. The MINI Convertible was front-wheel drive, with a choice between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Despite its sporty nature, the MINI's steering response and brake pedal feel were disappointing, reducing driving satisfaction. The car's handling was further compromised by tires that struggled with aggressive cornering.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, powered by a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder Subaru boxer engine, produced 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This placed it between the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R in terms of power. The WRX featured all-wheel drive, with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) branded as the Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT). The SPT/CVT offered quick throttle responses, mimicking a conventional automatic transmission. The WRX's well-mannered character made it a competent daily driver, with its AWD system providing confidence on twisty roads. However, the driving experience was described as muted, with a quiet exhaust and laid-back steering, lacking the exuberance expected from a performance car.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized form over function, with comfortable front seats but essentially useless rear seats. The trunk offered just 147 litres of space, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Interior storage was limited, with the infotainment system's controls consuming valuable space on the centre console. While the MINI's compact size was expected, those needing more practicality could opt for other MINI models like the 4-Door Hardtop, Clubman, or Countryman.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, as a compact sedan, offered practicality with more front headroom and legroom than a Honda Civic Si, though the Civic provided more rear-seat space. The WRX's trunk offered 354 litres of space, less than the Civic Si but more than the Volkswagen Jetta GLI. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat was standard, though Subaru did not provide a cargo-space number with the seat folded. The WRX maintained good outward visibility, a hallmark of Subaru's design, but lacked a dedicated space for a smartphone, an oversight in an otherwise practical interior.

The 2022 MINI Cooper featured a new MINI Connected infotainment system with a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen display. The system offered Apple CarPlay connectivity, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and BMW-based connected services. A head-up display was available, and the optional Harman Kardon sound system impressed with its sound quality. However, Android Auto was notably absent.

The 2023 Subaru WRX's Starlink infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Base models featured dual 7-inch touchscreens, while higher trims offered an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. The larger screen was appreciated for its readability, though physical buttons and knobs were missed. The top Sport-Tech trim featured an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, though SiriusXM took a long time to load on startup.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible benefited from its increased size, offering better protection in collisions. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring was unavailable.

The 2023 Subaru WRX offered Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology with the CVT, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centring, forward collision warning, and more. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. The WRX received top "Good" scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.