The BMW M135i is a hot hatch that makes even the 276bhp Vauxhall Astra VXR seem puny. It’s also the first petrol model from BMW’s new M Performance sub-brand, and the first three-door version of the new 1 Series we’ve had the chance to test.
With 316bhp from its 3.0-litre turbocharged engine, and a 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds, it can outdrag a Porsche Cayman R in a straight line. But it promises more everyday usability than the last fast 1 Series, the M Coupé.
Under the skin, this is a very different car to the M Coupé. Firstly its six-cylinder engine has one turbo instead of two, plus there’s no limited slip differential. It also uses adaptive dampers instead of rock-hard fixed-rate units, and comes with the option of an eight-speed auto, unlike the manual-only M Coupé.
But don’t think for a second that this car is soft. The engine’s performance is thrilling and it sounds fantastic – the raspy engine note fills the car and there are muffled pops and bangs from the exhaust on the overrun.
What sets this powertrain apart, though, is its smoothness, even as you scream towards the 7,200rpm red line. This is partly thanks to the superb eight-speed auto.
The standard M Sport adaptive suspension is 10mm lower than the standard car’s, but in Comfort mode it’s forgiving enough for daily use. However, scroll through the driving modes – which also tweak throttle response, gearchange speed and steering weight – and it gets significantly firmer.
Our only gripe was with the variable-ratio steering, which is precise, but a little too light for a car this fast. Hitting a bump mid-corner causes the wheel to wriggle in your hands, which can upset the car’s balance. That aside, grip is impressive, throttle response is immediate and when you want to drive like a hooligan, it can do things the 4WD Audi RS3 can’t.
If you plan to use your M135i as a family car, a five-door version will be available in September, although 75 per cent of buyers are expected to take the three-door. It’s easy to see why – it looks great, with deep side scallops, 18-inch alloys, M Sport bodykit and that hallowed badge on the boot.
For an alternative review of the latest BMW 1 Series Hatchback visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk
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BMW used to be one of my favourite cars - so much so that I've had 5 different models including a saloon, two coupes, and two tourings. But when Bungle took over he completely ruined their looks. He replaced elegant, handsome, even stunning cars - with gawky, fussy, creased, crumpled, slabby looking cars. The old ONE series was hideous and you needed to choose colours and wheels very carefully to get it to look ok. This new one sadly carries on the Bungle tradition of awful looking cars. A real shame.
The most successful of the 1-series variants from a style viewpoint is the 2002-aping 1 coupé. All the sportier models should be available in that shape.
I fully understand the previous comments and personally disliked the 1 series BMW when they first came out. Having said that I moved from VW Golf's a couple of years ago to a 123d and frankly you have to drive these cars to fully appreciate and 'get' them. Yes, breadvan like in appearance and not to everyone's taste, but as a driver's car, very engaging and great fun. I'm yet again not overly enamoured with the new F20, but like the previous models, they slowly grow on you if you appreciate what they are about. Certainly not a chavvy car by any stretch of the imagination and that, for me, is the point; if you can afford one of these, you'll get boundless energy and fun from it and I think it's a shame that so many people don't get what they are about.
I like the way Beemers are engineered as drivers cars. So it is SUCH a shame that their stylists take speed, or do drugs, or maybe they're just not very good, being aesthetically challenged! Some designers CAN make cars look desirable - the Aston Martin DB9 or Vantage for example. Or the Jaguar XK. Even more mundane cars like the Audit TT and the Peugeot RCZ can look stunning. BMW once upon a time made stunning cars too. Alas and alack - that is very rarely the case today. For me, the only current models that look genuinely desirable are the new 5 series. and the new Zed 4. Just think how many 1 series BMW would sell if they actually made them good to look at, as well as to drive? Such a shame. I am hoping that the new 4 series and 2 series will be much more attractive options than their saloon or hatchback cousins. Here's hoping !!
Many people have derided Bangle, so I suspect that explains a great deal, but I'm relatively new to BMW, so not really in a position to comment on older models (even though I'm getting older by the day). The aesthetics of anything are very much a personal opinion/choice and unfortunately many follow the pack, which I suppose is why I like the 1er, as it isn't generally seen as a popular choice. I mean, just look at the chavvy Fords and Vauxhalls that are prevalent on our roads - very much a 'pack' verson of poor taste and replication. At least BMW are solidly built and (so far for me) relatively reliable. I respect anyone's opinion and choice, but personally do not understand why everyone follows everyone else like lemmings. Yes, the Z4 is lovely, but as for the Audi TT, VW Scirroco and Peugeot RCZ -have to disagree I'm afraid. The new A series Mercedes was seen as a contender for the 1er, but the reviews say it lacks the punch, which is a pity, as again, aesthetically, it looks very nice, as it is 'different'. Anyway, I'm rambling now ..................
with the PUG ugly 1 series.. .. 1 series reminds me of Vauxhalls long extinct super ugly chevette