Hot hatches competing against the new BMW 128ti Mzansi Edition

BMW recently launched a new South African-exclusive hot hatch, the 128ti Mzansi Edition.

Based on the standard 128ti, this factory-customised version gets a host of stylistic add-ons giving it an even sportier look, a few of which are unavailable on any other 1 Series but the Mzansi model.

For an asking price of R838,160 – R93,900 more than the standard version – this particular 128ti brings M Carbon mirror caps, M Sport brakes in high-gloss red, a panoramic sliding roof, and a high-gloss black grille, front splitter, side sill, and boot spoiler.

These are accompanied by a red and black Sensatec leather/cloth upholstery on the seats, as well as a choice of four exterior hues comprising Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Skyscraper Grey, and Storm Bay Blue – this blue being exclusive to the 128ti Mzansi Edition.

Under the hood, the BMW gets a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol powerplant paired with an eight-speed Steptronic gearbox, delivering drive to the front wheels only.

The setup gives the special-edition hatch a total of 180kW and 380Nm, enabling it to sprint to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds with a top speed of 243km/h on the cards.

Hot hatchbacks

These are the hot hatchbacks the new BMW 128ti Mzansi Edition is competing against in South Africa.

Click on the underlined prices for more information.

VW Golf GTI

• Starting price – R696,700
• Power – 180kW/370Nm
• 0-100km/h – 6.4 seconds
• Top speed – 250km/h

Mini John Cooper Works

• Starting price – R701,438
• Power – 170kW/320Nm
• 0-100km/h – 6.1 seconds
• Top speed – 246km/h

Hyundai i30 N

• Starting price – R749,900
• Power – 206kW/392Nm
• 0-100km/h – 5.4 seconds
• Top speed – 250km/h

Toyota GR Yaris 1.6T GR-Four Rally

• Starting price – R761,200
• Power – 198kW/360Nm
• 0-100km/h – 5.5 seconds
• Top speed – 230km/h

Audi S3 Sportback Quattro

• Starting price – R837,000
• Power – 213kW/400Nm
• 0-100km/h – 4.9 seconds
• Top speed – 250km/h

Honda Civic Type R

• Starting price – R839,000
• Power – 228kW/400Nm
• 0-100km/h – 5.8 seconds
• Top speed – 272km/h

Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic

• Starting price – R998,203
• Power – 225kW/400Nm
• 0-100km/h – 4.7 seconds
• Top speed – 250km/h