The launch of BMW’s 1-Series Coupe, and more specifically the 135i Coupe, has to be one of the most eagerly anticipated local launches for 2008. We drove the force-fed 135i in Gotland, Sweden, last year and were blown away with its giant killing tendencies and couldn’t wait to see what it would sell for in SA and many thought that it was even in with a chance of toppling the M3 in the 0-100km/h sprint on the reef.

» We drive the 135i Coupé at its international launch

Let’s sort that query out first. BMW has had an independent tester evaluate the M3 and 135i at altitude and while the new Coupe is seriously quick it does still fall a bit short of the M3’s performance figures.

This is a driving impression so I don’t want to comment too much on the styling side of things, but I do feel it is worth touching on, as the 1-Series Coupe is brand spanking new on our roads.

Styling not everyone's cup of tea

Like the 1-Series hatch that we’ve been accustomed to the 1-Series Coupe might not be everyone’s cup of tea. However there is no denying that with its flared wheel-arches, long bonnet and wide track it is a leader in the sporty saloon department.

If you’re like me and you want some sort of pedigree then look no further. BMW made it big in the States with the '60s and '70s BMW 2002 and the 1-Series Coupe, which fittingly is the first 1-Series that will be sold in the USA, has strong links to the groundbreaking 2002. Both old and new feature front and rear seats, a long bonnet and large boot, wheels at the four corners, pillar-less doors and both were performance leaders.

Three 1-Series Coupe models will be available in South Africa; a 120d, 125i and 135i. As the name suggests the 120d is powered by a diesel engine while the 125i and 135i get a petrol unit. At the local launch, besides blasting around Zwartkops Raceway we covered 333km from Pretoria through a bit of the North-West and round to Vanderbiljpark before stopping over at Freedom Square in Soweto, only the 120d and 135i models were available. The 125i will follow in a few months.

BMW claim that the 1-Serie Coupe offers a compact rear-wheel drive dynamic coupé with 2+2-seating and very agile handling. And we can testify that both the models driven deliver this. Both the diesel and range topping 135i are cars you want to get into and drive.

Diesel versus twin turbo

Let’s start with the 120d and leave the best for last. The 120d makes use of an inline-four 1995cc diesel engine. Thanks to a turbo and common-rail fuel injection power is claimed at 130kW at 4000rpm and a max torque figure of 350Nm between 1750 and 3000rpm is registered. These figures should push the Beemer to 100km/h in a respectable 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 225km/h.

What really impressed while driving the roads of the North-West was the torque derived from the 120d. Overtaking is a pleasure, and in most scenarios a 120km/h-overtaking manoeuvre can be carried out without shifting out of sixth. The diesel also benefits in the economy department with a claimed average of 5.5l/100km. However economical the 120d still offers a sporting feel thanks to compact dimensions, low weight and BMW’s class leading steering feel.

I’m waxing lyrical about the athleticism of the 120d but even that falls short when compared to the 135i. With the likes of a suspension kit, hotted up brakes, body and interior kit all standard the 135i is already a notch up the go-faster list. Then add a 225kW twin-turbo fed inline six, a first in the world, and it leapfrogs up the performance list. 400Nm is on tap between 1300 and 5000rpm and the 0-100km/h time is a claimed 5.3 seconds.

Around Zwartkops the 135i acceleration was notably quick. Exciting the hairpin and chomping through the gears you suddenly reached Turn 4 at a serious speed. The brakes were also up to the task and despite being continuously abused, did not over heat or cook. It is really a quick car but thanks to a chassis that talks to you is very controllable and a pleasure to drive. Put me on the list, I reckon this is already a front-runner for CiA’s PCOTY title.

The 120d Coupe starts out at R283 000 while the 125i Coupe should, when it arrives, sell for R294 500. The 135i is a lot more starting at R364 000 but it is a lot more car. As with all BMWs the list of options is extensive and you’ll bump up the price if you start ticking the boxes. Personally I’d leave the 135i standard as it has all the things a real driver’s car needs, and is it really necessary to have the likes automatic climate control? I can manually adjust the Aircon for an exhilarating drive like the 135i Coupe offers.

Pricing:
BMW 120d Coupe manual: R283 000
BMW 120d Coupe automatic: R297 500
BMW 125i Coupé manual: R294 500
BMW 125i Coupé automatic: R310 100
BMW 135i Coupé manual: R364 000
BMW 135i Coupé automatic: R379 600