Last month, BMW lifted the wraps off the new 128ti, a performance-focused version of the 1 Series hatchback that has the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST firmly in its sights. This is also the first time BMW has revived the ti badge since 2004.

Sadly, BMW's new hot hatchback won't be coming to America, which is a shame as it could have filled the void of the Focus ST being discontinued. For the first time, we get to see the new BMW 128ti in action on video as the hot hatchback was recently spotted tearing up the Nurburgring during an industry pool session.

There's a lot of tire squealing, so it's clearly being pushed hard. It looks quick navigating the demanding Nurburgring race track, so we can't help but feel jealous that BMW's new hot hatchback is forbidden fruit in the US.

Slotting between the standard 1 Series and the range-topping M135i xDrive, the 128ti uses the same turbocharged 2.0-liter engine as the M135i and 2 Series Gran Coupe generating 265 horsepower. Like the 2 Series Gran Coupe, power is sent to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup enables BMW's hot hatch to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 6.1 seconds, which is faster than the Golf GTI's sprint time.

With M Sport suspension lowering the car by 0.3 inches, a limited-slip differential, and tuned steering, the 128ti is a more driver-focused hot hatch than the M135i. It's also 176 pounds lighter than the BMW M135i. Unique exterior details such as covers, trim moldings, a unique side skirt trim, and a red ti badge set the 128ti apart from the regular 1 Series hatchback. Sales for the BMW 128ti kick off in Germany this month, with pricing starting at €41,574.79 ($48,926.04).