In this episode of DRIVE Chris Harris puts two properly hot German hatchbacks up against each other to see which one is better, from a petrolhead’s point of view. It’s the new BMW M135i versus Audi RS3. The upshot of this test is this: while the Audi is the better-looking car, the BMW is cheaper, more fun to drive, and in real world faster. So in the end it’s the 135i that Chris picks as the winner.

The Audi has one big flaw and that is its killer understeer, brought on partly by its four-wheel-drive system. You are not going to feel it when you drive normally, but it’s a hot hatchback, and these cars are bought by enthusiasts who care about such things. The BMW, on the other hand, is a joy to drive with its poised and precise rear-drive chassis. It is gopping ugly though. Chris clearly avoids addressing the looks.