Driving.ca has an interesting article pitting “pocket rockets” the MINI Cooper S, VW’s new Golf GTI and the new Volvo C30 against each other.

The usual style of story, it takes a look at each of the cars with their specs and then the writer draws his conclusions.

Interesting to note of the new C30 (T5, 2.5l, 5 cylinder engine):

However, the softer suspension results in the poorest handling of the trio and noticeable understeer.

Pretty much what you’d expect from a Volvo then!
Of the MINI:

If performance and a thrill ride are your objectives, then the Cooper S stands out from the others. It also offers the best handling and fuel economy of the trio.

Tell ya what, it doesn’t look anything like as nice as a MINI either!

Which looks better, you decide:

Volvo C30 - looking particularly like a Volvo (obviously!)

Volvo’s Ugly C30

Or the New (MkII) MINI Cooper S:

Mini Cooper S

Via