The exception is the latest performance range-topper, the M135i xDrive ... and offers more power than the BMW and AMG at 328bhp, with Volkswagen's Golf R offering up 316bhp.

Most significant are the chassis tweaks, with BMW claiming the updated chassis ... these figures put it a tenth behind the Volkswagen Golf R in terms of acceleration, but a 168mph top speed ...

The VW Golf R's boot space is 374-litres, which is a mere seven litres less than the standard Golf on account of the four-wheel drive system. It's about on a par with an S3 and BMW M135i, but some way ...

That's what makes vehicles like the latest Volkswagen Golf R and BMW M235i just about perfect for the average person. Both of these Germans can lope around as a commuter 90 percent of the time and ...