Canadian website
autofocus provides a thorough comparison and ultimately gives the nod to the MINI:
If good things come in threes, then this is surely the first of a series of podium finishes for the Cooper. Despite getting larger and cushier, it’s maintained some of its character thanks in no small part to its odd little engine. It’s a turbocharged triumph, and you have to love it.
The Fiesta is fun too, but more of an experiment, better to drive than the basic car, but at an added cost and no choice in transmissions. It’s a good effort, but doesn’t feel like Ford’s small-car plan is built around it yet.
However, as three-cylinder turbos become more common on the roads, it’s cars like these that are leading the way. The Fiesta tries to make the three-banger pragmatic. The Mini succeeds in making it pretty darn fun
