Is the BMW 128ti a very interesting option, but who does it compete against?

BMW has surprised the world with the arrival of the new 128ti, a step below the more radical M135i and which aims to revolutionise the segment of sporty compacts. However, we must admit that the Bavarian brand has always somewhat ignored that segment of the market driven by mid-size hot hatchbacks. But times change and one must adapt, except that this delay on the part of BMW has allowed numerous vehicles to emerge, ready to rival its new 128ti and inflict considerable damage despite being a newcomer.

And the sporty compact segment has become very popular over time, offering itself as a very sensible option for those who seek thrills but also versatility. With this premise, the BMW 128ti fits perfectly with buyers who have these needs, but what other options do we find on the market fulfilling the same functions?

Volkswagen Golf GTI

The sporty compact par excellence, the Volkswagen Golf GTI, is a tough rival to the new BMW 128ti, all the more so now that its eighth generation is already in production. The people in Wolfsburg know very well what they are doing when developing a hot hatchback, a task they have been carrying out since 1976.

In this eighth generation of the Golf GTI, Volkswagen has opted for a set-up within the GTI line and its legacy. Under the bonnet lies a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine capable of producing 245 CV and 370 Nm of torque, figures that allow it to come dangerously close to the performance of the 128ti; although, Volkswagen has already confirmed that there will be a 300 CV TCR variant.

Hyundai i30 N Performance

Hyundai surprised the world not long ago with the arrival of the i30 N, the sporty variant of its compact. The formula used by the Korean brand is very appealing, skilfully combining the performance of a sporty compact with a value for money that is hard to beat.

And in its Performance variant, the i30 N becomes a lethal rival to the new BMW 128ti thanks to a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 275 CV and 378 Nm of torque, figures that allow it to reach 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h.

Renault Mégane R.S

From France, and with one of the best-preserved legacies, comes the Renault Mégane R.S, a compact that continues to enjoy great success in its latest generation. Offering a set-up very similar to its Korean rival, the R.S is a very plausible option thanks to an attractive price and performance typical of the segment in which it competes.

Under the bonnet lies a turbocharged four-cylinder engine of 1.8 litres capable of delivering 280 CV and 390 Nm of torque, performance that guarantees a sprint to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 255 km/h.