When we road tested the original 1.6-litre BMW 1-Series, complaint number one was the dramatic lack of poke. We reckoned that here was a chassis that could handle more power. A lot more power.
Well, BMW has finally plugged that gap in the range with this 265bhp 130i, which delivers 0-62mph in 6.1secs and a top speed limited to 155mph. It's the same lightweight straight-six engine that first appeared in the larger 330i, as well as BMW's big 6-Series coupe.
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| Subtle styling tweaks mark out fastest 1-Series |
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For 1-Series spotters, the biggest clues to the 130i's identity are those dual chrome-finished exhaust tips, chromed grille slats and larger 17-inch alloy wheels (the standard car rides on 16-inchers). And that's pretty much it, which means the visual signifiers are very subtle indeed unless you specify the M Sport option. This tricks up your 130i with M-like 18-inch double-spoke alloys, larger tyres at the rear, side sills and a more aggressive air dam on the nose. And while that sounds a bit
Max Power, the effect is still relatively subdued.
The basic 130i SE, which costs a stiff £24,745, comes equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, automatic air conditioning, a radio with CD, six airbags, front foggies, electric windows all round, 17-inch alloys with run-flat tyres and park distance control. The M Sport option, which costs an even stiffer £26,515, adds 'M' door sills, leather-covered steering wheel, the external bits already mentioned, more aggressive M sports suspension, anthracite headlining and aluminium door trim.
