Watch: VW Golf GTI vs Mini JCW Challenge – which is most fun?

Matt Bird takes the two sporty hatchbacks out on the track at Donington race circuit.
Mini v VW Golf/Haymarket Media
Graham Scott|Pistonheads10 November 2016

It was all set up. Two rather different takes on performance and fun, the Mini JCW Challenge up against the Golf GTI Clubsport S. Perhaps one more of a natural on the track than the other, but, hey, what is life without whimsy?

We’d sorted out Donnington as the racetrack of choice, and worked hard on both cars to ensure they were in the same dry-track configuration. Both were fitted with Michelin Cup 2 tyres and we were ready to put them head to head. What could possibly go wrong?

As you see, the world had different ideas. The rain, particularly heavy rain, can have quite an effect on a car, some showing off an unseen balance and finesse in the wet, others that you thought would be good instead driving round like they’ve replaced the wheels with shiny marbles.

How did this pair react? Sit back, get out the umbrella, and take a look.

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