BMW 130i
BMWs 130i Could Well Be The Model To Sway Those As Yet Undecided By The 1 Series. By Andy Enright
BMW happen to be very good at this sort of thing. They have a recent record of introducing cars that dont at first sit easily on the eye, but the subsequent unveiling of ever more powerful and desirable versions breaks down that initial resistance. It happened with the M5 and the M6 and history repeats itself with the brawniest addition to the 1 Series line up, the 130i.
There will still be many who remain deterred by the unorthodox lines of the 1 Series but quite how many can harbour any lingering antipathy towards the car after a drive is a very different question. Weve run a number of 1 Series models in this office and even the most ardent naysayer has been won round by the cars beautiful steering, unimpeachable ride and handling and brilliant range of engines. Until now, however, the quickest 1 Series was the 120d, a fine car, but not the sporting flagship many had hoped for. The 130i changes all that.
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With the same 3.0-litre Valvetronic engine found in the 630i, the 130i doesnt want for power. The lightest powerplant of its type in the world, this engine does away with conventional throttle butterflies in favour of a complex electrically powered valve lifting system. Constructed from an aluminium and magnesium composite, light weight equates to better performance, more agile handling and lower fuel consumption and emissions.
The 3.0-litre unit punches well above its weight, knocking out 258bhp at 6,600rpm. On the road, this translates into a surprising amount of heft. The sprint to 60mph from rest will disappear in just 6 seconds.
An electronically limited top speed of 155mph will be adequate for most needs, and the combined fuel economy figure of 31.4mpg is a genuine standout.
"As a statement of intent, the 130i is clear and unambiguous. No other manufacturer produces a small car quite like it."
The Valvetronic engine complies with the latest Euro IV emissions regulations and features the worlds first electric water pump to cool the engine block for increased efficiency. Six-speed manual gearboxes are fitted as standard.
BMW claim that a 130i will lap the Northern Loop of the Nurburgring the performance benchmark against which all serious sports cars are judged in 8minutes and 35 seconds. That is quite some pace.
The best thing about the 130i is that all that power makes it a more enjoyable car. Unlike most hot hatch rivals, drive is directed to the back wheels instead of the front pair. This leaves the front wheels to concentrate on the job of steering rather than trying to steer and deploy power. Over 200bhp in many front wheel drive cars can be a rather miserable experience, as the traction control systems fight frantically to keep things in check.
Theres no such unsightly scrabble from a 1 Series and the 130i should prove no different. Several key styling features identify the flagship 130i variant. As well as chromed kidney grille slats, there are chunky 17-inch alloy wheels shod with low profile tyres and twin chromed exhausts at the rear. The 130is stance seems a degree or so more pugnacious than any other 1 Series in the line up and the interior is better appointed.
Sports seats, a leather steering wheel, BMW Business CD stereo and six airbags are fitted as standard. Should customers wish, they can even specify BMWs innovative Active Steering system. The interior features a start button to get things fired up and a clean, minimalist look to the fascia. The dashboard resembles that of the BMW Z4 and dotted about are features like Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Brake Control and the non-dynamic but still worthwhile Electronic Differential Lock.
Theres also a high level of active safety offered. Designed to compete in the prestigious part of the Family Hatchback sector, the 1-series might be truncated in length but spend any time behind the wheel and youll soon realise youre not being short-changed any of BMWs look and feel. Rear wheel drive has traditionally been something of an anomaly in this market sector and key rivals such as the
Volkswagen Golf, the
Alfa Romeo 147 and the
Audi A3 are built around front wheel drive platforms. Where front wheel drive has traditionally scored is that its easy and cheap to manufacture a transverse engined hatch with a front gearbox and drive going to the front wheels.
You neednt worry about a bulky transmission tunnel running through the cabin so it works in terms of packaging too. BMW think otherwise. Open one of the narrow back doors and youll spot the compromises made. Theres less room in the back of the 1-series than youll find in a supermini like a
Honda Jazz.
With a six-footer behind the wheel, legroom is shockingly bad and the transmission tunnel means that you wont ever want to travel piggy in the middle on the rear bench. Thats not what the 1-series is all about. If you want a practical car, go and buy a
mini-MPV. If you want the latest urban bauble that will turn heads and get tongues wagging, the 1-series will be more your thing.
At a stroke it manages to make the Audi A3 in particular look ridiculously staid. The BMW 130i is the car that truly puts the 1 Series range squarely in the crosshairs of performance car lovers. Its fast, economical and well sorted. Although its not cheap, many will view the premium as a worthwhile investment in a thoroughly developed product that accepts very few compromises.
Resistance is futile.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: BMW 130i range
PRICE: from £24,000 [est] - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 17 [est]
CO2 EMISSIONS: 208g/km [est]
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 6s / Max speed 155mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 31.4mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and head airbags / ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4227/1936/1430
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