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MINI Countryman vs VW Golf Variant comparison

Compare performance (313 HP vs 204 HP), boot space and price (30,100 £ vs 28,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – MINI Countryman or VW Golf Variant?

MINI Countryman vs VW Golf Variant: Key differences

MINI Countryman

5 (1 Reviews)
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  • visibly more power
  • a bit quicker 0–100 km/h
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VW Golf Variant

  • only slightly cheaper
  • noticeably more efficient
  • slightly lighter
  • clearly more trunk space
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Countryman

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

VW Golf Variant is only slightly cheaper – starting at 28,800 £ , while the MINI Countryman costs 30,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 1,238 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Golf Variant uses 4.3 L/100km and is noticeably more efficient than the MINI Countryman with 5.9 L/100km. The difference is about 1.6 L/100km.

Golf Variant

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the MINI Countryman offers visibly more power – delivering 313 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 109 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the MINI Countryman is a bit quicker – completing the sprint in 5.6 s, while the VW Golf Variant takes 6.5 s. That’s about 0.9 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the MINI Countryman delivers visibly more torque with 494 Nm compared to 360 Nm. That’s about 134 Nm more.

Countryman

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Golf Variant is slightly lighter – 1,366 kg compared to 1,570 kg. The difference is around 204 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Golf Variant offers clearly more boot space – 611 L compared to 460 L. That’s a difference of about 151 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Golf Variant carries very slightly more – 547 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 47 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The MINI Countryman is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £30,100
Countryman

MINI Countryman

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 122 - 313 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.9 - 6.5 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 14.8 - 15.9 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 463 - 497 km
MINI Countryman
VW Golf Variant

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman turns the cheeky charm of a classic MINI into a proper all-rounder, blending playful styling with surprisingly usable space for everyday life. It still grins at city lights but will happily tackle muddy lanes, perfect for buyers who want character without sacrificing practicality.

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VW Golf Variant

The Golf Estate packs Volkswagen's familiar poise into a practical, grown-up estate that quietly makes everyday life easier without shouting for attention. It's clever, comfortable and roomy enough for weekend kit or family chaos, offering smart packaging and refined manners that make it a sensible and surprisingly stylish choice for buyers who need space but don't want a van.

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MINI Countryman
VW Golf Variant

Costs and Consumption

Price
30,100 - 39,900 £
Price
28,800 - 38,800 £
Consumption L/100km
5.9 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
14.8 - 15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
463 - 497 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 149 g/km
co2
114 - 159 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,570 - 2,075 kg
Curb weight
1,366 - 1,551 kg
Trunk capacity
450 - 460 L
Trunk capacity
611 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,843 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
475 - 500 kg
Payload
509 - 547 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 313 HP
Power HP
116 - 204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.6 - 10.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 494 Nm
Torque
220 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
90 - 230 kW
Power kW
85 - 150 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General

Model Year
2026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, A, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, C
Brand
MINI
Brand
VW
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.