2008 BMW 135i
When BMW had extended its branches to the compact car segment at Europe in 2004, the 1-series E87 hatchback, to be precise was termed to be a bit expensive as compared to its competitor, The Volkswagen Golf. Then onwards, BMW has numbed the disapproval by marketing around 450,000 units of its 3 and 5 door 1-series premium compact cars. So you even agree at this to be a success. Besides, it rolls smoothly. Thus, the ‘okay’ designs are the only complains about the hatchback models. However, all these hatchbacks failed to attract the mass of US citizens.
To achieve success in North America, BMW has designed the new 1-series coupe to suit us all. Though I have driven other BMW cars, I found this 135i coupe to render adequate comfort, for two adults in the back seat with its 60/40split seats. Powered by a twin-turbo 3.0litre engine with six inline cylinders, this is something that fits in the slot of a Powerhouse. This engine is around 100 pounds lighter than its siblings- the 3 Series. Pumping 300-horse power, this powerhouse twirls up 7000 rpm with 300-pound-foot punch in 1400 to 5000 rpm. Yet, I found the throttle to respond as spontaneous as other ordinary engines. With a top speed of 155 mph, I made this Powerhouse-135i shoot 60 mph in 5.3 seconds from standstill. The 6-speed manual gearbox is smooth and responses more evenly than any other cars in its segment. Though automatic transmission will be available in the US market, I personally prefer driving the manual one to enjoy the sure pleasures of driving. Fuel economy is what I always look at every time. I found the direct fuel injection is the key to reduce fuel consumption with a proper performance of the engine, at the same time. The fuel injectors are placed just next to the spark plug over here. This allows an accurate measurement of the fuel injected. BMW has even placed an indicator in the instrument cluster, suggesting the right gear to be at to maximize the fuel economy.
The strong, yet easy to control brake system delivers an added confidence in driving this coupe. The wide rear tyres are well contrasted with the front, emphasizing on more safety and stability in its performance. The position of the steering wheel made my drive a more pleasing one with the delicious noise of the engine, in short, worth the money. I find this car to be a sporty coupe; yet can be driven all the weeklong. This 135i is fast with a lot of road grip, and I find that this is built for comfort as well as for mastering prowess. This has a class of its own, and I’m sure that you will recognize it easily at its launch in February. Priced around $30,000, I expect this Powerhouse to be worth the money I will be putting in.