The BMW I35i Coupe is the 2009 Australia's Best Cars Best Sports Car winner
The new 1 series two door coupé is the prettiest 1 series to date - at least that's the opinion of some of the senior Aust Best Cars judges when they drove it recently.
The new coupé range comprises two models - the 125i which is powered by the 3.0 litre, normally aspirated, in-line six and the 135i powered by BMW's high tech twin turbo 3.0 litre engine. This engine pushes out 225kWs of power and 400Nm of torque.
These two models are the latest to hit the Australian showrooms from the 1 series (a convertible is due out later in the year), bringing the 1 series range to 10. However the new 135i Coupé is definitely going to be the 'hero' car in the line-up.
It's certainly not cheap. The 135i we drove at the launch has a base price of $71,400 and with a few options it jumped to $78,450.
BMW's senior execs claim the 135i coupé is unique as it's the only performance model in its class offering rear-wheel drive and near 50/50 weight distribution. Similarly priced others, like Audi's TT Coupé and S3 Hatch, don't have rear-wheel drive. BMW believes this should result in increased sales from non traditional BMW buyers, including those who might have previously considered performance models from the likes of Subaru and Nissan.
For your money you get the highly acclaimed, three litre, twin turbocharged engine, which has won accolades worldwide for its performance in BMW's 3 series 335i. Twin turbos, plus direct fuel injection (fuel is injected directly into the engine's combustion chambers) and Bi Vanos (variable valve technology), combine to deliver a healthy 225kW of power at 5,800 rpm and 400Nm of torque from just 1300 rpm - enough to have V8 drivers salivating.
The new 135i Coupé is also 250 kilograms lighter than the 335i Convertible, which is powered by the same engine, so its claimed 0-100km in just 5.3 seconds seems realistic.
For those who are happy with slightly less performance but still want the striking looking body design, the 125i could be the car for them. It will be available in May alongside the 135i (it wasn't available to drive at launch), and uses a non-turbo engine with Valvetronic instead of Bi Vanos valve technology. It's a cheaper option as well, with prices starting from $54,400.
The 135i comes standard with the M Sports package; it's a $2300 option on the 125i.
Standard equipment
Eighteen inch M Package alloy wheels with run flat tyres, rear Park Distance control, rain sensing wipers with auto-on head lamp function, Bi Xenon headlamps, central locking with remote control, DataDot security, Climate control airconditioning, cruise control, AM/FM radio with in-dash CD player, ASB audio interface, leather upholstery and sports seats with electric memory function.
Standard safety equipment
Driver and passenger front air bags, front side airbags, head airbags front and rear, ABS brakes with Dynamic Brake Control and Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control.
Options
Active Steering $2,700, Front park distance control $675, Electric sunroof $2750, Adaptive headlights $860, Metallic paint $1600, Comfort access system $1250, Alarm with remote control $900, BMW radio Navigation system $2700, Professional version Navigation $4200, 10 speaker Professional Audio $1950 and heated front seats $685.
On-sale date: May 2008
Drive impression
Hit the start button on the dash and the engine fires into life with a discreet, sporty burble emanating from the twin chrome tipped exhausts. In BMW tradition all major controls are nicely placed, with the thick, leather bound steering wheel adjustable for tilt and reach. The electric front seats with memory provide enough adjustment for taller drivers although rear seat leg room becomes restrictive when the seat is towards the end of its travel. Rear seating is for two and providing the front seat occupants compromise some of their leg room, the rear seats are comfortable, with a reasonable amount of shoulder and head room. Forward vision is unobstructed with minimal interference from the front A pillars, and rearwards it's much better than many coupés thanks in part to the finely sculptured roof C pillar, designer's apparently drawing inspiration from the legendary, early 70s BMW 2002 Ti coupé.
The six speed manual is one of the best in the business, with short crisp throws. Combined with a light clutch the 135i is a cinch to get underway.
Straight away you get a real sense of connection from the steering. At low speeds it's not as light as some might prefer but once underway it's direct and positive in its feedback. Ride quality is better than some of its BMW stablemates.
Initially it feels a little sharp and firm but once you're settled in, it feels a good compromise. Fourth generation design runflat tyres play a part in the improved ride. They feel better tuned and more integrated with the suspension settings used for the M Sports package than the 130i hatch driven a while back.
Driving through some windy stretches of NSW's alpine region, the 135i reminded me of the iconic six cylinder M3 with its legendary power delivery, strong and free spinning especially in the intermediate gears. It gives the same sensation and though not as powerful as the old M3, it's equally adept in providing an exhilarating level of performance. Its handling characteristics were equally competent - balanced and precise and only once or twice, when pushed through some seriously rutted corners, did the lack of suspension travel become apparent, with some road shock transmitted through to the driver and passenger.
Interior storage is limited, with narrow door pockets and a tiny glove box, plus two mesh map pockets in the back of the front seats. Thankfully boot space is better with a flat floor for luggage and the added versatility of a 60/40 split fold rear seat that also folds almost flat.
Summary
With almost M3 type performance clothed in the prettiest shaped 1 series to date, Australia's allocation of 500 BMW 135i's are likely to go quickly.
