[robertb]

RS3 might sound better but....

http://www.evo.co.uk/audi/rs3/17542/audi-rs3-v-mercedes-amg-a45-premium-super-hatch-shootout

i suspect without launch control a A45 would get done by a RS3 off the lights .

[JBO]

RS3 might sound better but....

http://www.evo.co.uk/audi/rs3/17542/audi-rs3-v-mercedes-amg-a45-premium-super-hatch-shootout

I just wish BMW would build a hatch bodied version of the M2 - manual gearbox, ripping drivetrain and proper dynamics. It'd be the king of the hot hatch heap. Mind you the Focus RS is a compelling value proposition at $50,990...and ticks all those boxes I suppose.

[robertb]

I just wish BMW would build a hatch bodied version of the M2 - manual gearbox, ripping drivetrain and proper dynamics. It'd be the king of the hot hatch heap. Mind you the Focus RS is a compelling value proposition at $50,990...and ticks all those boxes I suppose.

be hard to beat being a turbo six.,still like those little 1Ms

[TJB]

I just wish BMW would build a hatch bodied version of the M2 - manual gearbox, ripping drivetrain and proper dynamics. It'd be the king of the hot hatch heap.

This ^ 

I've been saying it for ages too. It baffles me. They seem content with the M135i - which itself is a great car, but not quite in the same bracket as an A45 or RS3.

If nothing else, it's a massive opportunity BMW are missing out on to increase their presence in the "lower" (but higher-density) end of the market... Same goes not building a 1-Series Sedan.

[robertb]

This ^ 

I've been saying it for ages too. It baffles me. They seem content with the M135i - which itself is a great car, but not quite in the same bracket as an A45 or RS3.

If nothing else, it's a massive opportunity BMW are missing out on to increase their presence in the "lower" (but higher-density) end of the market... Same goes not building a 1-Series Sedan.

agree.
 Wonder why?

[Alpine]

And Audi is now doing an RS3 Sedan, BM are definitely ignoring a segment, very unusual of them.

[mhh]

...BM are definitely ignoring a segment, very unusual of them.

Do you reckon?   No R8/AMG-GT competitor, no fast wagon, no M version of the 7 series. They have a few gaps in the line up.

[Alpine]

Do you reckon?   No R8/AMG-GT competitor, no fast wagon, no M version of the 7 series. They have a few gaps in the line up.

Too true, they hit most of the high volume segments though.

They would argue, tongue in cheek, that their R8 is the i8.

[mhh]

Too true, they hit most of the high volume segments though.

They would argue, tongue in cheek, that their R8 is the i8.

I shouldn't diss the i8 because I haven't driven it but I think I'd rather the R8.

[Alpine]

I shouldn't diss the i8 because I haven't driven it but I think I'd rather the R8.

Ditto