BMW 1-Series M135i

Costs

Because of its impressive performance the M135i is likely to be more expensive to insure than any other 1 Series apart from the 1M. Although it has a bigger thirst for petrol than some hot hatches with smaller engines, fuel economy is actually impressive considering the capacity and output. Owners will need to be prepared for a larger than normal bill when the run-flat tyres need replacing, though.

Space and practicality

Although the Coupe technically has a bigger boot in terms of volume, the hatchback's wide-opening tailgate allows larger objects like household appliances or furniture to fit with the rear seats folded down. There's plenty of room for sports bags and the weekly shop. The rear seats are more useable than the token gestures often offered in a two-plus-two sports coupe, but fully-grown adults will still find legroom restricted. Kids will fit snugly into the rear though.

Controls and display

The M135i's controls seem to have been deliberately weighted to match the car's performance. The steering can feel a little heavy, but the weight and feedback quickly becomes a bonus at speed and when having some fun. The pedals and gear change are all smooth and lightweight in a good way. Dials and instruments are well laid out and easy to read while the column stalks and switches are where you'd expect to find them. The iDrive system can be a little fiddly at first but becomes second nature.

Comfort

The M135i is a driver-focused car from the front seats forward, so it's no surprise to find a large range of adjustment for the driver's seat and steering column. The pedals are slightly offset but not uncomfortably so, and in cruising wind and engine noise are kept to a minimum. The sports suspension and wide tyres do lead to a firm ride, although never jarring, and road noise is obvious at speed.

Car security

The car gets a standard but highly complex alarm and immobiliser package that makes it almost impossible to steal the car without the proper key. Naturally it has remote central locking, and the stop/start button still requires the push-in key to be present in the slot. There's ample covered storage inside and items in the boot will be out of sight, while privacy glass around the rear half of the car makes items left on the back seats harder to see.

Car safety

Massive discs and callipers mean the M135i is well sorted when it comes to stopping from any speed, and the tremendous mechanical stopping power is augmented by an array of electronic aids. Brake Force Display warns drivers behind that an emergency stop is in progress and run-flat tyres are complimented by BMW's Tyre Puncture Warning System. Both front and rear occupants are protected by several airbags.

Driver appeal

The M135i's new single twin-scroll turbocharged three-litre engine is extremely potent, making the car a match in a straight line for some impressive opposition. The rear-wheel drive platform has been modified in key areas including steering speed and feel, and copes particularly well with the abundant power. The firm but controlled ride offered by the revised M-Sport suspension package means the 135i has sprightly but planted and responsive handling.

Family car appeal

One of the M135i's main purposes is to provide a fast, capable compact family car and that is one of the chief factors that separates it from the Coupe. Its rear seats are amply sized for children and the hatchback boot is more practical than a saloon-type. There are child seat mounts as standard and the front passenger side airbag can be switched off to allow a rearward-facing child seat to be installed at the front.

First car appeal

While the hatchback body style and brand prestige the M135i offers might be high on a new driver's shopping list, it's too powerful, too expensive to buy and too costly to run to be an effective first car. Younger drivers with no no-claims bonus will struggle to insure it at all, and with budgets tight the road tax and fuel bills might be off-putting.

Quality and image

The 1 Series has never disappointed in terms of materials quality, being up to BMW's usual high standards, but arguably the Coupe is a more desirable design. The M135i is the most desirable of the hatchback line-up thanks to its M Sport styling and impressive dynamics, but its understated exterior leaves it lacking the visual impact of its fully-fledged M Division cousins.

Accessibility

As a three-door the two long doors mean that it can take a considerable step forwards to climb in, especially for those who sit quite close to the wheel. It also leaves the seat belt a long stretch away past the seat back, but it can be ordered as a five-door as well, which makes life easier for rear seat passengers. Despite its wide stance, the M135i has a fairly normal ride height so stooping on entry is not necessary.

Stereo and ICE (In car entertainment)

The M135i has a high quality sound system, but despite being the range topper it only comes with a single slot CD player as standard. It can be specified with sat-nav and CD/DVD changer. The latest-generation iDrive system has been updated with the latest style of interface to make accessing the most commonly used functions easier. The quantity and depth of the available settings is sometimes overwhelming but the system is intuitive.

Colours and trim

Customers can choose from a reduced number of exterior colours on the M135i. It looks at its best in more extravagant colours and BMW has made two available, covering a pale blue and a deep and lusty orange. Otherwise the palette covers white, grey and black. The M135i wears the M Sport body kit fitted to all M Sport models, giving it a sporty look on the outside while good quality leather seats and contact points provide a sportier feel.

Parking

The 135i is priced competitively and as such in standard guise does without technology like parking sensors, which can be problematic because rear visibility is poor. The rear-wheel-drive layout gives the 1 Series coupe a tight turning circle because there are no restrictive drive shafts attached to the front wheels. The relatively flat shape of the tailgate makes it easier than it might be to judge where the rear bumper is.

Spare wheel

Fitted with run-flat tyres as standard.