2023 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta underwent a subtle makeover, featuring an updated engine, minor exterior styling tweaks, and enhanced infotainment. The Jetta Highline trim, which was the focus of this review, showcased these changes with a redesigned front fascia, bumper, and grille, now adorned with more chrome. The rear also saw updates with standard LED lighting and a more squared-off bumper. Despite these changes, the Jetta maintained its understated design, likened to a bland yet purposeful suitcase. Inside, the Jetta received modest but appealing updates, including new seat patterns and contrast stitching, with the Highline offering a two-tone leather option. The standard 8-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and 6.5-inch touchscreen display were highlights, with the Highline boasting a 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8-inch touchscreen-navigation system.

The 2023 MINI Cooper, available as a two-door hatchback, four-door hatch, or two-door convertible, retained its unique and playful design, reminiscent of a bug-eyed bulldog. Larger than its predecessors, the MINI Cooper still maintained its compact charm, with a design that emphasized simplicity and authenticity. The 2023 model introduced a gradient paint effect and 18-inch wheels with red brake calipers, enhancing its toy-like appearance. Inside, the Cooper featured Chesterfield leather seats with diamond-patterned stitching, a giant circular dash with an inset touchscreen, and toggle switches reminiscent of old soundboards. The JCW model, with its powerful engine, offered a sporty driving experience, while the interior maintained high fit and finish quality. The Cooper's playful design extended to its features, with unique elements like the Openometer and a glowing ring on the dashboard that responded to various controls.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine, shared with the Volkswagen Taos SUV, replaced the previous 1.4-litre turbo-four. The Jetta offered a choice between a 6-speed manual and an 8-speed automatic transmission, with the latter standard on the Highline trim. The Jetta's fuel economy was impressive, with estimates of 8.0 L/100 km city, 5.5 highway, and 6.9 combined for the manual, and slightly better figures for the automatic. On a long road trip, the Jetta averaged 5.0 L/100 km on the highway. Despite its fuel efficiency, the Jetta's powertrain had some drawbacks, with a touchy throttle and turbo lag. The drive modes offered varying experiences, with Sport mode providing a slight improvement in responsiveness.

The 2023 MINI Cooper JCW was the quickest in the lineup, featuring a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine with 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine, shared with certain BMW models, delivered smooth and strong performance with minimal turbo lag. The six-speed manual transmission had an abrupt clutch take-up, making it ideal for learning manual driving but challenging for smooth launches. The JCW's handling was enjoyable, with flat cornering and a stiff suspension, though the steering lacked immediacy. Fuel economy varied across models, with the JCW manual rated at 10.7/7.5/9.3 L/100 km city/highway/combined. The electric MINI Cooper SE offered 183 km of range, similar to the gasoline Cooper S. Despite its nimble nature, the Cooper's steering and firm ride detracted from the promised "go-kart" experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, offered ample passenger space for four adults, with the option to accommodate a fifth. The front seats provided comfort, though the slightly inclined edge of the bottom cushion might not suit shorter individuals. The driver-centric cabin featured well-placed controls for climate, audio, and seat functions, with additional storage options like door pockets and a centre console bin. The lack of a latch on the centre storage bin cover was an unusual omission, but overall, the Jetta's interior was practical and user-friendly.

The 2023 MINI Cooper's interior offered good outward visibility and generous legroom and headroom in the front seats. However, the rear bench in the two-door model was best avoided, as was the limited cargo space of 254 litres, expandable to 962 litres with seats folded. The four-door model provided slightly more cargo capacity. Convertible models had 226 litres of space, with a tailgate that folded down for easier access. The convertible's roof rails allowed the fabric section to slide back like a sunroof, enhancing the open-air experience. The MINI's instrument panel featured a matte finish to reduce glare, while the infotainment system combined a touchscreen with console buttons, though their placement was less convenient. The dashboard's glowing ring added a playful touch, responding to various controls and enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured a Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster across all models, with the Comfortline and Highline trims offering an 8-inch infotainment system. The Highline's Digital Cockpit Pro version included a 10.25-inch display with customizable views and widgets for navigation, phone history, and driver-assist systems. The Jetta's infotainment system supported Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and MirrorLink integration, with Bluetooth, USB-C ports, and an SD card multimedia interface as standard. The Highline trim also offered premium Beats Audio sound and a remote start system, enhancing the overall technology experience.

The 2023 MINI Cooper came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and connected apps. The Cooper S models in Premier 2.0 trim added a panoramic moonroof and heated leatherette seats, while wireless phone charging and a head-up display were available on the Premier+ 2.0 trim. The infotainment system used reskinned BMW iDrive software, though it lacked the latest features found in new BMW models. Unique features like the Openometer and playful sounds and chimes added to the Cooper's charm, though the interface was less advanced compared to competitors.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta came equipped with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian recognition as standard in Canada. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist were available from the Comfortline trim. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, while Emergency Assist ensured driver attentiveness. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but fell short of a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to an Acceptable score in the updated side crash test and Marginal to Poor headlight ratings.

The 2023 MINI Cooper featured eight airbags, rear parking sensors, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning as standard. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and other advanced safety features found in similarly priced cars. Adaptive cruise control was available on certain versions with the automatic transmission. The NHTSA had not rated the 2023 MINI Cooper, while the IIHS last rated the structurally identical 2014 model, giving it the highest "good" rating in five out of six crash tests.