Auto Express UK is track testing the new BMW M135i against the Subaru WRX STI 340R.

Before jumping into the video review, here are some vital stats.

BMW M135i is powered by a 3-litre, straight six-cylinder engine and 316 hp and 450 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. The technology package includes a TwinScroll turbocharger, direct High Precision Injection with central multi-hole injectors, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and Double VANOS variable camshaft timing.

The BMW M135i sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.1 seconds (automatic: 4.9 seconds) and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h – the top limit permitted by the vehicle’s electronic speed control system. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 8.0 liters (7.5 liters)/100 km, and the CO2 emissions level is 188 grams (175 grams) per kilometer. The unladen weight is 1515 kg, so 1440 kg according to DIN.

bmw-m-135i-vs-subaru-wrx-sti

The engine is mated to either manual transmission or an 8-speed automatic gearbox, despite the reviewer pointing in his video review to a double-clutch tranny.

The Subaru tested is actually the 340R edition. Under the hood of the WRX STi is a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine paired to a six-speed manual transmission producing 316 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. 0 to 60 mph is achieved in 4.7 seconds, an improvement of 0.5 seconds over the standard WRX STI. The weight of the 340R is 1474 kg.

Which super hot hatch conquers the track? Let’s find out.