What is it?

A new 1 Series derivative that we've been waiting on for a very long time. This new 1 Coupé joins the recently introduced three-door model expanding the choice for 1 Series buyers dramatically over the original five-door hatchback. There's more to come too, as a cabriolet will be made available sometime in 2008. In the meantime BMW customers will have to make do with this smart new Coupé, it reviving memories of the highly regarded 2002 models of the '70s. At the press conference for the 1 Coupé's unveiling BMW cheekily had EfficientDynamics printed backwards on a window sticker, aping the old backwards turbo sticker of the 2002 Turbo.

How is it different?

It's basically a BMW 1 Series with a boot rather than a hatchback. As such it's perhaps not the most resolved of coupé shapes, its proportions looking a touch odd from some angles. But it's certain to appeal to BMW's sporting audience. However, with its standard EfficientDynamics stop-start system and brake energy regeneration those buyers can enjoy the 1's performance relatively guilt-free. Three engines will be offered to UK buyers.

Two four-cylinder turbodiesels badged 120d and 123d offering 177 and 204bhp and a flagship twin-turbo 306bhp 3.0-litre straight-six petrol unit. All offer great performance, the diesels reaching 62mph in 7.6 and 7.

0 seconds respectively and the flagship 135i managing the same sprint in just 5.3 seconds.

Who's going to buy it?

Fifty-fifty weight distribution, compact dimensions and plenty of power mean that the 1 Series Coupé is likely to appeal to new customers wanting a compact sporting model, as much as it will to existing BMW buyers who might want to downsize from their 3 Series saloons and coupés. Three trims levels will be offered, ES, SE and M Sport, and most UK buyers likely to go for the M Sport version for its more aggressive styling, M Sports suspension and higher specification. The 135i is only offered in M Sport guise. BMW sees the 1 Coupé appealing to younger buyers wanting a sporting choice with decent environmental credentials. As a result of BMW's EfficientDynamics the 120d manages 58.9mpg on the combined cycle, the 123d 54.3mpg and the 135i a still creditable 30.

7mpg.

When are they going to make it?

It's already being built, 1 Series Coupés reaching the showrooms this November though prices have yet to be officially announced. The Coupé will be joined by a convertible sometime in 2008. Unlike its 3 Series relative the convertible won't feature a folding hardtop, instead sticking with a conventional canvas roof. Expect it to be shown at the Geneva show next March and on sale shortly after.

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