I think comparing the M135i to the VW GTI is idiotic. The 125i hatchback is the direct rival to the GTI and the M135i's direct rival is the Golf R.
The review that Clarkson made was pointless. I mean the whole sawing of the legs part, practicallity in the boot, spining of at 120mph seems funny but he was way overreacting. In the end he even said the M135i's predecessor was the 1M.