So, these enthusiasts perked up back in 2020, when they heard that BMW was to introduce a new front-wheel drive hatchback and a car that may well have been able to challenge the GTI’s supremacy.

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So, these enthusiasts perked up back in 2020, when they heard that BMW was to introduce a new front-wheel drive hatchback and a car that may well have been able to challenge the GTI’s supremacy.

The engine is rated at 261bhp – 19bhp more than an equivalent Mk8 Golf GTI and 41bhp down on the M135i ... Unfortunately, counter to its simplified mantra, BMW will not offer a manual ...

Save being about 5bhp up and wilfully omitting the automatic gearbox, that description is a dead ringer for the E30 M3 ... VW Golf GTI starts. The Golf is more powerful than the BMW but matches ...