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Remember the BMW Compact from the mid-1990s? Back then, the Compact was the cheapest way to enjoy the fruits of motoring with the blue propeller brand. It was hugely popular with the aspiring set, despite the fact that the Compact was a compromised product due to the use of components from a previous generation model.
The original Compact died a slow death here even though a second generation was introduced in other markets later on. Since the Compact's demise, our local motorists have been deprived of an entry level model that sits below the perennial 3 Series until now.
The original Compact died a slow death here even though a second generation was introduced in other markets later on. Since the Compact's demise, our local motorists have been deprived of an entry level model that sits below the perennial 3 Series until now.
Is it the 1?
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With the twin turbo 135i unavailable here, the range topping engine for our market is the 3.0-litre straight-six in the 130i three-door hatchback.
It's not rocket science to label the 1 Series' styling as awkward - upfront, the headlamps look like they're plucked from the larger 3 Series and are too big for the petite 1 Series, which ends up giving it a rather cross-eyed face. At the sides, Chris Bangle's "flame surfacing" lines and curves are highly evident on this model...and it is a matter of an acquired taste.
It's not rocket science to label the 1 Series' styling as awkward - upfront, the headlamps look like they're plucked from the larger 3 Series and are too big for the petite 1 Series, which ends up giving it a rather cross-eyed face. At the sides, Chris Bangle's "flame surfacing" lines and curves are highly evident on this model...and it is a matter of an acquired taste.
1Drive
Underneath the relatively long bonnet sits a 265bhp version of BMW's charismatic normally aspirated 3-litre in-line six. With a maximum torque figure of 315Nm @ 2,750rpm, it makes the engine as flexible as a rubber band from low engine speeds. Outright performance is good, if not exactly fire breathing - century sprint takes 6.2 seconds, putting it right up there with most of its obvious competitors.
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As with BMW's other straight-sixes, it's the smooth and silky way the 130i's motor delivers its power that impresses most - it has poke from low revs all the way to its limit. Work it hard and the engine will just chat away effortlessly, emitting a deep bassy soundtrack along the way.
The engine is hooked up to a six-speed automatic gearbox - no fancy twin clutch set-up here, but just a normal torque converter unit. The box makes a perfect mate with the engine, with a nice attack of ratios for maximum performance and efficiency. Flick the lever to "S" and the shifts will alter, at the same time with the throttle sharpened for a sportier response. Steptronic is standard and you can do manual gear changes by the gear lever or the paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
The engine is hooked up to a six-speed automatic gearbox - no fancy twin clutch set-up here, but just a normal torque converter unit. The box makes a perfect mate with the engine, with a nice attack of ratios for maximum performance and efficiency. Flick the lever to "S" and the shifts will alter, at the same time with the throttle sharpened for a sportier response. Steptronic is standard and you can do manual gear changes by the gear lever or the paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
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A BMW will not be a BMW if it doesn't have a rear-wheel drive format, and the 1 Series is unique among cars its size because of its drivetrain layout. Rear wheel drive means steering is uncorrupted and that's how the 130i's helm feels - it relays a good level of feedback and is nicely weighted and confidence-inspiring for spirited driving. With M Sports suspension, the overall handling is hot-hatch stuff, which is adequately taut and nimble.
Inside the 1
The driving position is excellent, but some might rue the lack of electrical adjustments for the seats. Overall quality on the other hand, just seems to fall short of more expensive BMWs and rivals from Volkswagen and Audi - the shiny plastics, particularly around the cupholder area, just feels cheap. Also, the rotary air-con knobs don't feel as tactile as the buttons on other BMWs.
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Rear wheel drive means a further compromise in terms of interior packaging, and the 130i's already compact dimensions doesn't help. It's rather cramp at the rear, and to seat an adult at the rear on short drives is relatively ok - but on longer journeys, rear occupants will start to feel claustrophobic or suffer from aches and cramps. The boot, on the other hand, is decently sized and the seats can both split and fold for an ever larger load area.
In a nutshell
A car that will answer only to a niche market, the 130i will do a good job if you want something unique and something out of the ordinary. Another car that will probably be your answer if "unique" is high on your requirement list will have to be the MINI Cooper S Clubman - it's $11k cheaper and equally stylish, but if you were to look at it from a "bang-per-buck" perspective, the 130i has the upper hand all thanks to that sonorous 3.0-litre straight six engine, compared to the MINI's 1.6-litre turbocharged engine. The Volkswagen Golf R32 is another option worth considering too, and has what most motoring scribes would describe as "the most manic but complete packaging" in a hatch - but that would set you back some additional $8k over the 130i.
At the end of the day, that amount of money buys you a brilliant engine paired with excellent handling. Now, if only it looks and rides better...
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Engine: 2,996cc, 6-cylinders in-line, DOHC
Power: 265bhp @ 6,650rpm
Torque: 315Nm @ 2,750rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with manual selection mode
0-100 km/h: 6.2 seconds
Length / Width / Height: 4,239mm/1,934mm/1,421mm
Wheelbase: 2,660mm
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