I've said for a long time, VW UK need the Mk8 GTI to have an effective spec and price point. If they don't, the competition will eat them, seriously eat them. VW had the whip hand with the Mk7, this time I'd argue they don't. Their only weapon is that its a Golf GTI, but that won't cut it unless the spec and price are competitive - base spec needs to be high, price needs to be low ball vs the rest- residuals need to be strong.
On the BMW 128TI, seriously attractive.
That is a very interesting video - I agree with Mike that they've done something really counter-intuitive but equally dialled back on the "on rails" thing of the M135i *deliberately*. That's an odd thing for BMW to admit to I think, but hats off to them for doing it.
Again though BMW need to make sure the 128TI finds the right price point - it can't be too close to the M135i. The spec needs to be close to the M135i and not close to the 118. If it doesn't come with sports body kit and sports seats as base, its going to not be a contender IMHO. Is that possible though? 95% of a M135i kit for 75-80% of the price?
If they can match the Mk8 GTI base spec for the same price, I think they will slay VW. If they can't get the price down...