So, Golf R, AMG A35 or M135i? Which gets your vote? Let us know!

We’ve had the M135i for a month now and it really is sensational to drive. As he says, you can drive around town smoothly and quietly in Comfort mode when off to the shops, but get on a smooth flowing country road and put your foot down in Sport mode and it absolutely flies! The media system is great, and the manual controls for the aircon etc are easy to use. Very comfortable and supportive seats, great visibility and solid interior. I doubt I could live with the VW horrible interior and touch screen system, and the AMG is probably a bit too firm and focussed. We’re super happy with our choice of the BMW!👍🏻

BMW has the best cabin and thats why Iv just got one! Love all 3 of these cars though 💪🏽

Nice review, keep these up and you'll definitely carve out your own niche. Personally would have liked some information on fuel economy (i know they are hot hatches but still) also cost of servicing and replacing consumables i.e. pads and discs etc. Then you'd definitely have your own informative niche on KZfaq.

The grin on your face when you drove the Golf R was sublime. Almost look you were about cry with joy. VW take my money now haha :) great review... really enjoyed it.

Really enjoyable and informative this channel deserves more subscribers

Great in depth analysis of this hot hatchbacks.

Just want the A35 be happy with any of them but will always want the Merc at the end of the day.

great detailed review thanks

Extremely good review, this guy's good 👍🏻

Have I just witnessed one of the most thorough and well knowledged reviews.. I really enjoyed this review.. amazing reviewer.. I'm subscribed

Wow! that must be a long day for James, without costume changed, tested and reported all three top models of hot hatch car currently on sale in that market segment. Very useful information provided here on each brand in less than 26 minutes. Taking unbiased, straight-to-the-point approach to test and review all engineering and aesthetic aspects of each car. But some of us may have noticed already that his facial expression says it all. One minute delighted, then frustrated the next. Quite enjoyable to watch as if I was sitting on the passenger seat all along. Indeed, as for all things in life, relationship in particular, when come to a point of choice, it is all about "feel" that portrays first impression right in the first ten minutes. Of course, there are exceptions - love at first sight!

I subscribed to your mag for decades and was thinking that you had been overtaken as we have entered the video age. But this review is a great example of how you are making your way back to the front of an ever more crowded pack. Keep up the good work. And it’s nice to see some of the roads around here being put to good use.

I actually own one of these cars (hint: it’s the most understated one 😜) and I can tell you it’s a fantastic daily car that goes like crazy - in all safety - when you’re in the mood. It all depends on what you’re looking for... Great review, as always

Severely underrated reviewer and channel. Another great vid!

Very good review and unsurprisingly, the R wins again. The mk7 R was revolutionary

Fantastic review, focussed on all the things that really matter on a car like this. That Golf looks great to me, unlike in all the photos I've seen. But that interior.... It's almost as if they have deliberately not made an effort to avoid stepping on Audi's toes.

Nice review! You got my sub.

Amazing review. Golf 8R makes about 340 hp from the factory, or at least someone's new R did when they put it through a dyno. Feels weird to say this, but looks like the 8R's look has started to not look bad to me. I used to grin whenever I saw a video or a picture of it, but... Looks okay?

Great review, thanks 👍

Great review and the Golf R clearly impresses (apart from the soulless cabin). . . be interested in your thoughts on how the new gen compares with the Golf 7.5R you tested last year?

R, I've had mine for a frw months and absolutely love it

Golf R's are amazing cars, so understated and underrated. I loved the mk7.5. So I can only imagine how good the mk8 is!

Can this Torsen limited slip diff be turned on and off through the infotainment system on the M135i?'

As a biased VW owner I'd always go for the Golf. Thanks for the confirmation James.

Very good review. The problem with Golf is the cabine in terms of design and the quality it feels cheeper for a car that cost in my country 60 thousand euros.

Im curious as to your findings regarding the m135i interior, you said "sitting in the m135i its hard to see your in the top model'' well isn't that true of pretty much all these cars interiors after all these cars are based on standard models only with more powerful engines and better underpinnings. You want colour add magma leather

How do the 3 of these compare money wise...?

Great review. I have just traded my mk8 Golf R in for a BMW m135i. I went for the M Suspension with 19" wheels and finding the ride far too hard and uncomfortable over most surfaces. It drives well, the cabin and infotainment system is way better than the Golf but the ride spoils the driving experience. With hindsight go with the adaptive suspension and 18" wheels.

The cabin of the beemer might not be the flashiest, but it's by far and away the most solidly put together. The BMW interior game is on par with Lexus at the moment.

Very thorough review and very enjoyable, however not completely balanced . The price of these cars at the specs tested vary hugely and I can’t understand how it doesn’t get mentioned enough in these reviews . Am I the only person who cares about the showroom tax above £40, 000 !!! ? I went hunting for my next car months ago and I wanted a premium hot hatch with a few extras for under 40k . Off to Mercedes first after seeing pictures of how good the A35 looks inside and out . After asking the Sales executive a few questions I realised that a decent spec A35 would cost nearly £45,000 and nearly £500 in road tax .thanks but no thanks . Volkswagen was a similar story . I will be honest here , I think they have near ruined an almost perfect car when replacing the Mk7.5 Golf R . The looks , the heater controls that don’t light up and are dangerous to use while driving ( the main reason I sold my brand new Tiguan ) and again the fact that you want Lapiz Blue like every reviewer uses you are immediately over 40k . Then add the adaptive dampers , akrapovic exhaust and performance pack you are closer to 50k than 40 . And again nearly £500 road tax for the first 5 years . I had to wonder if a used NIssan GTR might be better value . Then not for the first time in my life I’ve ended up in BMW , although I’ve never actually bought one …. Until now . I fell in love with the drive of the M135i , it really made me smile . Back in the showroom I’ve managed to spec a White one with 19s , tinted glass , Harmon Kardon and reversing camera parking pack within the 40k showroom tax threshold . Add in the £3,250 discount I managed to get without too much hassle and the M135i seemed like a bargain . Having bought new VWs in the past that sort of discount on the R would have very difficult to imagine . £150 a year road tax also means I might even be able to afford to drive it properly every now and again . Only time will tell if I have made the right choice and I dare say that in my Twenties the decision would have been more emotional than financial , but now in my Forties and not spending much time Drifting , street racing or risking everything on track days I think the baby beemer will be just right . There is no right answer to which is the best of the three , its all about the matching the right car with the right buyer at the right price .

This is a level of in-depth review we rarely get. Thank you James. As for the review, I think VW's refinement at this price point is hard to beat. The other brands are still best at the 100k price point. Personally, I still find it hard to associate Merc or Beamers with hot hatches. They just don't feel like the premium product (luxury saloons) those brands are known for.

What do you think of the sports seat with integrated head restraints. I mean they're fine if you intend to use the car just at the sport track. But I can't see that they make much sense in a production car intended for many types of drivers or as a daily driver. What do you do on long trips? Use a different car? The also block out the entire forward view from the rear. Making the rear area seam claustrophobic.

Great review. I've actually ordered the 1 series also in black but without the adaptive suspension and on the 18's. Do you think the ride will be too firm or just right?

that Golf R cabin is a real shame ... total deal breaker

What about rear seat space?

How does the s3 compare?

Complaint about M135 lack of engine drama and also complaint when transmission kick in the back changing gears providing some sensation, bit contradictory

What about the highly unfriendly infotainment system if the Golf R?

Are haldex cars still understeery?

Good productions. Can't understand the relatively low subs compared to others less professional who seem to only show off expensive fantasy vehicles. Work on your tags maybe, and bring in some bling, road trips, special events etc.

Honestly what do you expect from a VAG interior apart from blandness

Top review

Good review and I liked the Goldilocks analogy. I still think the Golf looks a bit dull, but maybe that’s a good thing too.

Well done. I’ve owned an e46 M3, C6 Z06 corvette, (2) e92 M3, Mk7 GTI, and a C7 stingray. I’ve driven the F32 M3 and M2. I’ve found the e46 M3, GTI, and C6 Z06 as the best driver’s cars...modern cars are too big and heavy so this Mk8 really has my interest.

The Golf grew up and nowadays it challenges MB and BMW. I miss the age when we said "hot hatches" and the Golf rivals were Escort, Peugeot 205, Clio...

Golf R.I hate the dash though, but i could learn to live with it.

Love the R

would like try golf R...

Golf R for the win!!!

Fantastic review! Very detailed. VW have done a fantastic job with the new Golf R to remind everyone that they can still build one of the best hot hatches. Truly a master piece👌 My M135i has the initial bmw software which has pops and bangs/burps on upshift and after fitting and exhaust, lowering the car plus a tune, the car feels and performs a lot better than stock!

Is the new AWD in Golf R on-demand or full -time ? I feel like its the old Haldex unit from the Mk7or 7.5 but with a rear diff and updated ECUs ?

JD - the Michael Gove of motoring journalism, with the fashion sense of Val Doonican...

Can you not have the DCC in comfort and the shifter in sport like in the mk7.5?

One Love One AMG Life ❤

Yeah! Golf R is been in the game than its rivals also the best all-rounder but I would go for the somewhat underrated M135i. It simply makes sense to me and I always like competition and not follow every one default hot hatch

I like this reviewer. He’s also great in the new Peter Rabbit movie 😀

Can you tell me what you exactly mean with low seating position? I mean, you need to see out of the window and the seats are adjustable. I don't really understand what is good and bad here.

Cheerio mate!!!!!!!!!!!!😆

Merc is the way to go.

Great comparison review, thank you! Best interior & quality of styling (and materials) definitely go to the BMW, but hands-down I'd go for the VW Golf R, by far!

You'll need a lead-lined bunker with ravenous Dobermans to keep hold of a Golf R here in Birmingham

Bmw needed to keep previous 140 6cyl b58 engine and mate it with 4wd now that would be awesome.

4.2 for 0-60 easily, have done it, pro timed!!!

In the US the R comes fully loaded with performance pack and you can get it in manual 😉

Very good review fair play! I’d have the m135i. The golf R is clearly an awesome drive, but that interior I couldn’t get over and would annoy me too much as a daily. A35 doesn’t interest me at all to be honest.

I thought this was a drag race, woops 🤭

I cancelled my Golf R mk8 order after 1.5 years of waiting. I’m glad I did. It’s a boring interior that’s going to age terribly considering the mk8.5 update will change quite a bit.

You must of had a crap example of the merc. My A35 doesn’t squeak or rattle in any shape or form.

Is the golf the only car thats available in a manual transmission?

Golf R... Edgar Henrique 🇧🇷.

I've an a35. It has 306 not 302BHP. Why would a motoring journalist get that wrong? I like the Gold R but you spend the time INSIDE the car. My AMG does not feel like he says inside... I love the inside of this car.

I don't care how great the DSG is, it's just sad that they don't offer a MT option for their halo hot hatch. At least, outside of NA they don't.

The BMW is missing a 6 cylinder engine..maybe they can do a M140i with about 370 BHP and returned the 4WD setup,as it stands the Golf looks a great all rounder

Had the mk8 GTI and couldn't wait to get rid of it after multiple issues with new steering wheels and errors constantly popping up on the dash. A real shame, a great driving car ruined by poor in cabin experience. I now have the "grown up" car you describe in your piece......with buttons !!

Did the Golf infotainment crash on you ?

Absolutely brilliant review. Top job. VW engineers are something else. Thanks.

No 19" no performance package no Akrapovic.. Sad

The look has become an eyesore across the range for BMW…

Can’t get on with the A35 AMG; a firm ride in all settings is at odds with the fact that it’s a daily driver. At that point, there are plenty of other options in this price range if I’m looking for a weekender in which I’d be alright to sacrifice some comfort. And, potential functionality aside; the rear wing looks rubbish

The opening introduction of the video shows Golf R looking very ordinary, With all the performance it offers, VW could've chosen a better wheel design to look the part.

Why don't we talk about ultimate cost, once you have a few options which is likely most buyers will want these cost go over that £40,000 tax threshold. Dealers never mention this, even with discounts trade in or deposit the tax is still calculated at the ultimate price the car would cost. So just beware as to not get caught out £490 to tax a year for five years can be a bit of a shock if not prepared 🤔

In 2016 i bought a brand new lci m135,and i never regreted it.2months after i picked Up the m135 at the dealer the m140 came out.at first i coulnd care less because it was only 15 hp stronger and i thought it was the same engine,it sucked when i figured out it was the b58 engine in the m140 and that it was way more capable and tunable.but Hey thats life. No way i would replace it with the latest model... There is just no 2.0 4potter that can match the n55 6banger... My second car is a 2017 gti clubsport so i know what im talkinng about. The n55 is so much smoother and the sound i way beter than the 4cilinder To be fair i wouldnt buy Any of the 3 tested hot hathes...

As an owner of an Mk8 R, I’d take that all day. Interior to me is outstanding. I’m a big tech guy so it’s sleek and modern to me. It looks plain to some but to me, it looks “clean.” Other cars get too busy by having a thousand buttons. To each their own on the styling, I’m not going to change anyone opinion but the quality of the interior, styling aside, is very good. That’s definitely apparent if you get in one and truly look. I’m not just talking about materials, yes there’s some hard plastic in non meaningful spots, but it doesn’t creek, rattle, squeak, it looks nice and feels great. Superb daily.

For me the golf is very much the "Plain Jane" of the bunch and even if its faster comes stone last out of these 3.

I was so ready to buy a golf R, but the interior is so dull and what is wrong with buttons! BMW it is for me I think. Test drive coming up soon.

Yet another "review" that makes no mention of passenger space or boot capacity, seems hot hatch buyers don't have any friends or use the boot!

24:50 is the grill of the Golf R illuminated or something??

I’d take the... Megane Trophy

Golf's the best 🔥👑🔥

I would love to see this be compared to civic type r

VW are the king of hatchbacks

None of these cars including the BMW M135i and the Mercedes AMG A35 hatch are unavailable in the USA and Canada. And in Canada the VW Golf GTI is over $42K base price which is $2k more than a BMW X1. The Golf R is nice but it's overpriced compared to available sports cars like the Mustang GT and the Infiniti Q60 in North America. In fact I would rather have an Audi S3 or RS3.

If you just love going fast and showing off fine, but if you love driving, it must be a Honda Civic Type R or Yaris GR. video game cars are real cars 🤷🏻‍♂️

Without watching 1) golf r 2) amg35 3) m135 Am I right?

I will take the 1 with the 6spd manual. Oh that's right, you is only available on this side of the pond. SOrry EU

Great review and M135i for me, in fact have just ordered one. Drove the A35 and the interior is bloody awful. Plastic and god awful turbine vents that are in your face. I have a Golf 8 R Line as a company car and whilst nothing like the R in terms of performance, the 8’s infotainment and safety systems actually make the car bloody dangerous. Mines been back several times and you just have to take a look at the forums to get a feel for how people are really slating it. Possibly the worst Golf ever. IMO

Is this a fair comparison without the performance pack on the VW?

When I'm in charge there will be a law against calling anything with 5 doors a hot hatch

Golf R is a beast the m135i is the biggest disappointment