2022 MINI Cooper vs 2023 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2022 MINI Cooper, refreshed for the model year, retained its iconic charm with a modern twist. It featured restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights, complemented by the car's distinctive Union Jack taillights. The MINI's design updates included new paint colours like Island Blue and Zesty Yellow, and the Piano Black Exterior treatment extended to various elements. Inside, the MINI offered a retro feel with modern technology, including a new steering wheel and an 8.8-inch touchscreen display. However, the car's proportions remained awkward, with the new grille accentuating its overbite. Despite this, the MINI Convertible promised fun and personality, with a unique open-air experience when the top was down.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta presented a more conservative and inoffensive design. While its appearance lacked the symmetry and balance of previous generations, it remained visually appealing. The Jetta Highline trim offered an upscale interior with ambient lighting, genuine leather upholstery, and a large sunroof. The cabin exuded a sense of luxury, reminiscent of the VW Group's Audi brand. The Jetta's design focused on practicality and comfort, providing a spacious and accommodating environment for passengers. Despite its understated exterior, the Jetta delivered emotional value through its refined interior and thoughtful design.

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. This engine allowed the MINI to accelerate to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds. For more spirited performance, the Cooper S featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, achieving 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. The MINI Convertible was front-wheel drive, with a choice between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Cooper S test car, equipped with a manual transmission, provided ample torque and a pleasant driving experience, though it lacked the go-kart handling of earlier models. The JCW models offered even more power, with 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. However, the MINI's steering response and brake feel were less precise, affecting driving satisfaction.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, delivered 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Jetta's front-wheel-drive setup provided zippy acceleration and responsive steering, making it nimble in urban environments. The Highline trim featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with Sport and manual shifting modes. However, the automatic transmission exhibited a delay in response, leading to occasional surges in acceleration. The Jetta's fuel efficiency was rated at 7.1 L/100 km, but real-world testing averaged 7.8 L/100 km. Despite these quirks, the Jetta Highline offered a rewarding driving experience, with accurate steering, reliable brakes, and predictable handling. The all-season tires impressed with their grip and communication, enhancing the Jetta's performance on winding roads.

The 2022 MINI Cooper prioritized form over function, especially in the Convertible model. While the front seats were comfortable and supportive, the rear seats were essentially unusable, even for children. The trunk offered just 147 litres of space, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Interior storage was limited, with the infotainment controls occupying valuable space on the centre console. Despite these limitations, the MINI's design was expected, given its name. For those needing more practicality, other MINI models like the 4-Door Hardtop, Clubman, and Countryman offered better options.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, on the other hand, successfully bridged the gap between compact and midsize sedans. It comfortably accommodated four adults, with the option to fit a fifth passenger for short trips. The Jetta's interior storage was generous, with a large trunk offering 399 litres of cargo space. The Highline trim featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Jetta provided excellent visibility, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats offered ample legroom and comfort, with heated seats available. The Jetta's design prioritized practicality and comfort, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display. The system featured LED lighting with 12 colours, changing based on vehicle settings. It offered Apple CarPlay connectivity, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and BMW-based connected services. Navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system were available options. The infotainment system, based on BMW's iDrive technology, paired with a digital instrument cluster. A head-up display was also available, visible even with polarized sunglasses. The optional Harman Kardon sound system provided impressive sound quality, overcoming ambient noise at highway speeds.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta Highline trim featured a 10.25-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro configurable instrumentation panel. The infotainment touchscreen grew to 8.0 inches, with proximity-sensing, knobs for volume and menu functions, and shortcut tiles. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as SiriusXM 360L premium satellite radio. However, the infotainment system had some quirks, such as requiring multiple inputs to change radio stations. The voice recognition system was basic, with more advanced features available through Car-Net connected service upgrades. Car-Net offered a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot and four years of complimentary access to Remote and Safe & Secure feature plans. The Highline trim included a Beats Audio premium audio system, though it lacked the depth and clarity of previous Fender systems.

The 2022 MINI Cooper benefited from its increased size, offering better protection in collisions. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. The MINI Convertible came with standard Driving Assistant technology, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were not available. The lane-departure warning system provided subtle feedback through the steering wheel, enhancing driver awareness.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta offered standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Comfortline trim added blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Travel Assist, a semi-autonomous driving aid. Travel Assist impressed with its smooth operation and ability to handle traffic and road conditions. Emergency Assist, a rare feature in this segment, could identify an unresponsive driver and bring the Jetta to a safe stop. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars for frontal-impact protection. The IIHS rated the Jetta's safety as Poor in a new moderate overlap frontal-impact crash test.