It is a race to the finish.

Although hatchbacks aren’t as popular in the US, there is still plenty of choice for those who want fun-to-drive practicality. Toyota’s GR Yaris – a hot hatch built with all-wheel drive, a six speed manual gearbox and a turbo three cylinder to make things interesting – impressed many. BMW features the 128ti. This combines luxury and performance as well as Toyota’s. But how does it compare with the Toyota?

The Cars.co.za YouTube channel has a new video that pits them in drag races head-to-head to determine which car can cover the quarter-mile faster. There is no clear winner. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder from BMW produces 241 horsepower (180 megawatts) as well as 280 lb-ft (380 Newton-meters). The Toyota generates 264 horsepower (197 kW), and 265 lb/ft (360 Nm), of torque from its turbo three-cylinder 1.6-liter. Although the Toyota has all-wheel drive, it is unable to overcome the car’s amazing grip.

The Toyota gets a great jump over the BMW in the first race. The BMW narrows the gap with each Toyota shift, catching up to the Toyota and passing it just before the finish. This beat the Yaris by a bumper. The second race is a little different. This time, the Yaris driver flat shifts through the gears. The Yaris can get a great launch off the line and is able keep the BMW at bay.

The Toyota won the final race by one car length. The BMW was unable to catch the Toyota before the line. The 128ti was gaining ground on the GR Yaris and should have been able, with enough space, to take the Toyota for its second win. It didn’t happen because there was only so much asphalt. The three-door Toyota hot hatch is a marvellous little car that we will not be able to experience in the USA anytime soon.