Twin Turbo One

This month sees the UK launch of the 1-Series coupe and top of the tree is the twin-turbo 135i. Stepping straight from a Z4M into the 135i, we were expecting it to feel like an anti-climax but we were surprised at just how deceptively rapid the blown six feels in the small coupe. It’s refined too, especially in comparison with the previous generation M3 for example. OK, so it lacks the M car’s 100 per cent locking differential and in some ways is more compromised but as a road car it’s a better bet to live with. Performance is blistering at 5.3 seconds to 60 mph and a limited 155 mph top end but the 135i, even in M Sport guise, is all about swift and refined progress.

The coupe shell is apparently stiffer than the 1-Series hatch which may explain why the 135i, despite its 35-profile tyres, manages to provide a decent motorway ride. To our minds it rode better than the 130i and although it’s ultimately less involving than the M cars, handling tends more towards understeer which makes it easy to drive fast in everyday conditions away from the track.

The 135i does feature a locking differential, although it’s an electronically operated design rather than the no-compromise M diff. The car we tried was a six-speed manual, although March next year sees the introduction of a sports automatic six-speed box complete with steering wheel paddles for ‘manual’ shifting.

As for the rest of the car, the standard-fit sports seats are superb and the coupe even offers a decent boot. Despite being based on the cramped 1-Series, the coupe feels much like 3-Series coupes of old in terms of its inside space, so it’s a practical proposition and you’ll certainly get a couple of adults in the back without too many complaints.

You're looking at £29,745 for the 135i coupe, which at present is offered only in M Sport guise which brings with it 18 inch rims, aero styling and bigger brakes as well as aluminium interior trim, sports seats and sports steering wheel. From the outside, you'll spot the 135i by its four oval black tailpipes and the brake cooling ducts which take the place of the SE models' foglights.