Mercedes A45 AMG vs BMW M135i

For the pretty hefty price tag you get a stack of standard equipment, some of which would be an option in the M135i. Standard fruit includes 19-inch alloy wheels, AMG body kit, sunroof, heated/power sports seats, seven-inch infotainment display and Harman Kardon sound with digital radio.

On debut the asking price was $68,400, trimmed after Benz’s announced price of the A45 AMG last April. BMW added more standard features to enhance the value. There are 18-inch alloys, M Sport brakes and aero kit, leather sports seats, parking sensors and 8.8-inch display screen with satnav and internet connectivity.

AMG and Benz’s first attempt at a hot hatch makes others lukewarm. The 2.0-litre turbo is the world’s most powerful four-cylinder (265kW/450Nm). That grunt, sent to the four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, fires it from 0-100km/h in 4.6s. Benz claims 6.9L/100km.

Sure there’s an M badge but this is from BMW M Performance Automobiles, a category between the hardcore M and regular Beemer. Still, it’s more than just a body kit. The 3.0-litre straight six turbo (235kW/450Nm) is brilliant, delivering torque from 1250rpm and smooth power to the rear wheels through the also excellent eight-speed auto. It claims 0-100km/h in 4.9 secs and 7.5L/100km.

The Benz is the more striking and prettier of the two with its coupe styled rear, deep grille and big blingy wheels. The AMG body kit is more aggressive too, from the blacked-out front splitter and gaping air intakes to quad exhaust tips and optional roof-mounted rear wing. The cabin is even more stunning, from the racing-style seats with red stitching to the padded dash, moulded Alcantara steering wheel and enormous sunroof.

The M Sport aero kit, chunky blue brake calipers and a mean stance on big wheels and fat rubber toughen up the 1 Series ugly duckling into more of a bird of prey. That said, the conservative image is carried through into a cabin bearing only a few sporty details such as the M Sport leather steering wheel.

Five-star ANCAP crash test rating. There are nine airbags, blind spot warning, lane-keeping assistance (automatically correcting the path), and Distronic-plus, which monitors traffic ahead and maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

Five-star ANCAP crash rating, with six airbags and great anchors in the form of four-piston fixed caliper disc brakes on the front and two-piston calipers at the rear. Reversing camera is optional.

In sport mode the A45 AMG’s engine crackles and pops, bouncing off the rev limiter as you engage launch control, which flings you perfectly away down the road. Handling is spot-on, the car planted and the chassis balanced. The only drawback is the ride, as the suspension is pretty hard, but this isn’t a lounge chair - it’s hot hatch history in the making.

The engine and transmission work beautifully together and the M-Sport suspension is a firm for great handling, but still provides a comfortable ride. The M135i isn’t a fully loaded track weapon but it is a quick and agile little beast that’s rewarding and easy to drive whether you’re hammering it through winding country roads or just popping down the shops.