BMW out to crush the Volkswagen Golf GTi

At the launch of the new BMW 1 Series, BMW Australia’s product planning boss Toni Andreevski has told the SMH that the Golf GTi is well within its sights.

Having reinvigorated the hot hatch segment with the wonderful Golf GTi and R models, BMW has taken note and decided to follow suit. To be fair, they’re not the first with the idea -the Renault Megane RS recently launched and stole the Golf GTi’s thunder while other cars in the segment include the Subaru WRX (yes, it’s now dropped the Impreza name) and Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart edition.

BMW however, who has already released the $99,000 M1 will be looking to add the prestige of the BMW name to the bargain performance of the hot hatch market. With the new 1 Series coming in at a stunning $36,990 plus on roads (down from $39,990 for the previous model), Andreevski believes the new hot hatch could be sub-$50,000. So far, details are scarce bit the engine has been confirmed as a 2.0 litre direct-injection (in the same vein as the Honda Civic Type R) that pumps out a handy 160Kw, a few more than the Golf GTi.

You can find the full SMH story and interview with Andreevski here.

Price: From $36,990 plus on roads

Web: BMW