North America is now downsizing once again. Trucks are out, small cars are in, and a lot of manufacturers will start offering vehicles that follow the new trend. Ok, it's not really a trend, but more of a desperate measure to keep the cost of driving down.
Luckily for BMW, and for most European carmakers, their vehicle lineup across the Atlantic already counts numerous small cars. The 1-Series is perfectly suited to North America, and especially in Canada, and were expecting it for quite a while now. But we weren't expecting what the 135i offers.
Quicker than an M3
The centerpiece of the 135i is what's under the hood. The twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-6 produces 300 horsepower, but the magic about this engine is that the 300 lb-ft of torque peaks at just 1,400 rpm. Drop the clutch and hang on, because as soon as you'll start moving, you're already hitting the engine's sweet spot. In the 135i, you'll feel like a hockey puck at the NHL All-Star game's slap shot contest.
100 km/h is reached in just 5.4 seconds, which is quicker than what the 414-hp M3 can manage. Keeping your right foot against the floorboard, and a quarter mile will flash by in 13.8 seconds at 162 km/h. That's quick. The M3 V8 engine's sound is more enticing, though.
Yet the twin-turbo engine has also has a Jekyll and Hyde personality. Despite the generous power output, its fuel consumption average is quite low. Since we stopped blasting down every empty road and went back to a normal driving, the engine is rewarding us with an average of just 10.4 L/100 km.
Handling is what you expect from a BMW, with a taut suspension and precise steering. The car's short wheelbase makes it so fun to drive, although it's not as playful as a MINI Cooper. I was anticipating a harsh ride from the stiff shocks and thin-sidewalled tires, but it's actually not that bad.
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| The 1-Series is perfectly suited to North America, and especially in Canada. |
Luckily for BMW, and for most European carmakers, their vehicle lineup across the Atlantic already counts numerous small cars. The 1-Series is perfectly suited to North America, and especially in Canada, and were expecting it for quite a while now. But we weren't expecting what the 135i offers.
Quicker than an M3
The centerpiece of the 135i is what's under the hood. The twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-6 produces 300 horsepower, but the magic about this engine is that the 300 lb-ft of torque peaks at just 1,400 rpm. Drop the clutch and hang on, because as soon as you'll start moving, you're already hitting the engine's sweet spot. In the 135i, you'll feel like a hockey puck at the NHL All-Star game's slap shot contest.
100 km/h is reached in just 5.4 seconds, which is quicker than what the 414-hp M3 can manage. Keeping your right foot against the floorboard, and a quarter mile will flash by in 13.8 seconds at 162 km/h. That's quick. The M3 V8 engine's sound is more enticing, though.
Yet the twin-turbo engine has also has a Jekyll and Hyde personality. Despite the generous power output, its fuel consumption average is quite low. Since we stopped blasting down every empty road and went back to a normal driving, the engine is rewarding us with an average of just 10.4 L/100 km.
Handling is what you expect from a BMW, with a taut suspension and precise steering. The car's short wheelbase makes it so fun to drive, although it's not as playful as a MINI Cooper. I was anticipating a harsh ride from the stiff shocks and thin-sidewalled tires, but it's actually not that bad.
 |
| The twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-6 produces 300 horsepower. |