The MINI is a fantastic car - I have a Works S, and to be honest, for fun, sporty driving, my E90 doesn't even come close........truth
Golfs are pretty bland, and lacking in character - a GTi and the current R Golfs look just like every other 1.6 basic model out there - the MINI has a style that no other Eurobox can replicate. And the social scene is massive, and fun !