MINI 3 Door Hatch vs VW Polo GTI vs Ford Fiesta ST: Which one has the best infotainment system?

By Farzana Chaumoo

We take a look at the latest infotainment system of the MINI 3 door hatch and compare it against the SYNC3 system from the Ford Fiesta ST and the Composition Media in the VW Polo GTI.

MINI 3 door hatch - 3.5/5

One of the most welcomed changes in the updated MINI range is the infotainment system changes. Every model now has a 6.5-inch colour screen in the middle of the dashboard with USB and Bluetooth interface as standard. The system is very user-friendly and menus are easy to navigate. However, the rotary click wheel controller on the centre console can be a little far to reach for tall occupants. Furthermore, when the central armrest is in its lowest setting, it completely covers the click wheel and the handy shortcut buttons and can be a little frustrating. 

While Bluetooth connectivity is standard, you cannot get Android Auto at all. iPhone users will be happy to know that for them it won't be a problem, although for Apple CarPlay you'll still have to pay for one of the two optional Navigation packs. It can be a bit pricey but for the money you pay, you'll get a detailed 8.8-inch touchscreen display with 3D graphics, as well as a host of ‘Mini Connected’ services which is unique in the small car segment. These services include Real Time Traffic Information, the personal Concierge Service, and the vehicle internet portal MINI Online with news, weather and fuel price overview. 

Add on the MINI Excitement Package and background and ambient lighting will light up the cabin. The central screen will have a LED ring that changes colour depending on what the system’s doing and the driving mode you’re in – green for Eco mode and red for the sportier modes.

You also have the option to upgrade your stereo system in your MINI hatch, from the standard system you can upgrade to the banging Harman Kardon system, which has 12 speakers and two bass speakers under the front seats.

Ford Fiesta ST - 3.5/5

Ford's latest Fiesta ST is fitted with the SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system. The system enables its Fiesta ST drivers to control audio, navigation and connected smartphones using simple, conversational voice commands. Compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™, SYNC 3 is supported by floating, tablet-inspired touchscreens up to 8-inches that can be operated using pinch and swipe gestures.

The Fiesta ST is also offered with a high-quality B&O PLAY Sound System, that's better than VW's Beats, for a high-end audio experience.

VW Polo GTI - 4/5

Our winner here goes to the GTI for its sleek looks and functionality. All new VW Polo GTIs are fitted with the latest generation system, the Composition Media, which features an 8.0-inch touchscreen radio-infotainment with CD player that looks and feels more upmarket than the infotainment system in the Ford Fiesta ST. However, switching between key features while driving may be tricky as there are no shortcut buttons, but at least the screen is bright and easy to read. The other system, called the Discover Media, is optional and features an 8.0-inch radio-navigation infotainment with CD player.

Sat Nav doesn't come standard, it is a pricey option, but with it comes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring to beam your phone’s navigation apps onto the VW Polo GTI’s screen instead. This upgrade also allows you to stream music from services such as Spotify through the Polo’s stereo.

VW also offers a stereo upgrade: the standard system can be upgraded to a more powerful 300W Beats system.

Find out here how the MINI Cooper 5-door infotainment fares against the Volkswagen Golf 1.4TSI and the Audi A3 Sportback 1.4TFSI