BMW 1 Series Coupe Range Car Review

Facts At A Glance
Car: BMW 1 Series Coupe range
Prices: £21,115-£29,615 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 14-17
Emissions: 119-220g/km
Performance: [135i 5dr] 0-60mph 5.3s / Max speed 155mph
Fuel Consumption: [120d] (combined) 58.9mpg
Safety: Twin front, side & head airbags, ABS, DSC
Dimensions: Length/Width/Heightmm 4360/1748/1408

Old Meets New

Our Rating: No Rating Available

Something old, something new- this is what the 1 Series Coupe Range of BMW has: a marriage of the past and future (or present). BMW is known for sticking to its heritage but it's also not afraid of trying and adding new innovations.

The 2.0 liter diesel engine, highlight of the 1 series hatchback, is now replaced by a 2.0-liter petrol engine with twin turbochargers. Fitted with this engine, the 135i 3 Series Coupe already feels like eight-tenths of an M3, how much more the lighter 1 series? Well, it can go to sixty from standstill in 5.3 seconds and has a top speed of 155mph at a combined fuel consumption of 58.9mpg and carbon dioxide emissions at approximately 199g/km. Another choice is the 123d, the first aluminum oil-burner in the world to reach 100bhp per liter, is impressive that can accelerate from zero to 60mph in 7 seconds flat and with a top speed of 148mph. There are also other lesser available units: the 118d, 220d, 120i and 125i.

There are similarities with this model with the hatch backed 1 Series with the bumper jutting forward from the plain of the grille and headlamps. However, the air intakes are more aggressively shaped and as you go through the length of the car the differences are more pronounced. It's 133mm longer than the hatchback and has an available space of 370 liters.

The interior will somewhat surprise the owners with its elegant furnishings and new arrangements. The controls for the entertainment and ventilation are confined to a panel ahead of the gear level and other important stuff are bunched together surrounding the steering wheel for greater accessibility. This is useful especially if are traveling alone on a long journey and no one is there to an the controls if ever you decide to listen to music or adjust the temperature.

To accompany the six engines are four trim levels that make up the Coupe range though the plusher trim levels are available only to the top powerplants. There are packages that costumers can choose from: the ES, SE, Sport and M Sport. It's the M Sport package that truly gives a distinction in its appearance and driving. It may not appeal to most drivers in terms of its looks, having been dubbed as a scaled down saloon car, but its engine efficiency and eco-friendliness is certainly desirable. This will appeal to those looking for a chic ride that runs smoothly and cheaply. It has the EfficientDynamics technology that has a group of techniques that could provide a surprising effect to the fuel economy without compromising its performance. Now, that is what you call innovation.

At its current price, it's hard to look for a car that could outperform the 135i. Or even a 129d that could perform amazingly. It's a rare sight when you see a diesel sportscar that has a power of 204bhp and still has a fuel economy of 50mpg and carbon dioxide emission ranged 119-220 g/km. It is priced at £21,115 to £29,615.