BMW’s 1-Series hatchback is a car that has polarised opinion, with its angular body and stubby looks. Yet it is proudly individual; the only compact hatch on the market offering rear-wheel-drive dynamics.
But there’s nothing ambiguous about the smooth-looking 135i Series coupe. And, packing the multi award-winning twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol engine under its bonnet, there’s no disguising this particular model’s intent. Think of it as a mini M3 and you get the idea.
First, a look around. For a ‘Banglified’ Beemer the 1 Series Coupe takes up space in a nicely macho yet understated way, a million miles from the other-worldy Z4 Coupe and also, importantly, sufficiently individual in relation to the 1 Series hatchback.
Chunky yet elegant, with short overhangs, long bonnet and a set-back glasshouse, the car features a prominent shoulder line and a handsome transition from the roof to the rear section at the base pillar.
Climb aboard and you are in familiar territory with near perfect driving position, understated ergonomic precision, and subtle yet sporting themes. Two interior styles of dashboard are available, one with navigation, one without. If navigation is specified, an electrically folding colour display is housed in the centre top of the dashboard, with the iDrive controller fitted on the centre console adjacent to the gearstick.
Those who dislike iDrive can save themselves a wedge of cash and buy a TomTom instead.
Slot the keyfob into the centre console, prod the starter button and the twin turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol unit sparks to life.
I have driven the hard-riding BMW 130i hatchback and was expecting something along those lines, yet conversely the 135i Coupe felt more comfortable and yielding than its hatchback sibling. This may be because the Coupe’s stronger rigidity lets the suspension work more effectively; whatever the reason, it means that you are at the wheel of a little sports car that displays exemplary control and minimal lean through corners, yet rides with more grace than you would expect. This model also features an electronic differential to aid traction while accelerating out of corners.
And performance? Well the 135i is actually not far off the pace of an M3. Glance at the figures and you will note that not only will it comfortably trounce most other small performance cars such as the Golf R32 and Audi S3 – but it will also embarrass Porsche Cayman S owners. In the end, however, it is the nature of the power delivery that boggles the mind more than the bald figures. Given an inviting swathe of empty country road I floored the accelerator in second and then third gears. The pace was relentless right across the rev range, and the strangest thing of all was that the turbos kept themselves completely silent as they helped me bore a hole seemingly through space and time. Hit the throttle at almost any engine speed and there is a mountain of torque on tap.
The fat steering wheel gives you something to hang onto as you go into hyperdrive, while the gearshift is typical BMW – meaty yet positive. When you need to halt proceedings, the massive discs in the high performance braking system are awesome, with six-piston calipers at the front and two-piston calipers at the rear for greater stopping power.
BASICALLY…
A halo car for the 1-Series range that truly cuts the mustard. People are going to love this car.
Price £29,745
engine 3.0-litre turbo petrol
max. power 306bhp
top speed 155mph (limited)
0-62mph 5.3 seconds
economy 30.7mpg
emissions 220g/km
insurance group 18
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