Every so often in the world of automotive engineering, something rather unexpected and special rolls along and upsets the norm. These feats of genius are known as game changers. Previous game changers have included the original Golf GTI in 1975. The Mk1 Golf GTI proved that great acceleration and superb handling can come at a reasonable price, without compromising practicality. As 2012 drew to a conclusion, one car took this same game changing principle, and added a bit more oomph. BMW's M135i is precisely this game changer.
Once graced with its presence in the flesh, brandishing this vehicle as a game changer certainly appears optimistic. Whilst the M135i is a handsome piece of machinery, especially the three-door version on test, everything appears rather typically BMW. The shape is of a typical three-door 1 Series, the body kit is muscular in a typical M Sport trim fashion, and the superb looking 18" alloys remain typically M Sport.
Already, it appears that this Netcars writer will be eating their own words with a slice of humble pie. However, there are many other aspects which the M135i appears rather spectacular.
Performance - 10
Power comes from a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder unit, boosted by a Twin Scroll turbocharger with high precision direct injection and fully variable valve control. Producing an exciting 315bhp with 332lb/ft of torque, the M135i truly does create a sense of unease amongst rivals. Accelerating from 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds for the manual, and an even more astonishing 4.9 seconds for the automatic, this little 1 series certainly is über schnell. In every day spoken English, this translates to bloody rapid.
Incredible still is that the M135i had to be electronically limited to 155mph. One can only begin to imagine how fast this beast could accelerate to should the limiter be removed.
Controlled by the eight-speed Sport Automatic Transmission, the rapid acceleration is moulded perfectly with superb gear changes. Indeed, acceleration is available with immediacy, leading to the driver often possessing a rather satisfying grin. Whilst the manual is reportedly excellent too, the automatic certainly will be the ideal choice for those opting for a slight increase in performance.
Ride and Handling - 9
Similarly to the X3 which we tested back in November, the M135i features adaptive M Sport suspension (£515 option), with settings for Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport+. Obviously, the ride quality varies depending on the option chosen, however we found Comfort to be a great compromise for normal day-to-day driving, with Sport and Sport+ proving more harsh and spirited.
We cannot help but think how tragically tail happy this BMW would be if it were to have worn the same size rubber on the rear as the front. Thankfully, the rear tyres are much thicker than those at the front, so sliding about is both controlled and fun. Riding on Michelin Pilot Super Sports, the M135i has ditched the typical run-flat tyres now synonymous with BMW.
Behind the Wheel - 9
The interior of the M135i is a comfortable and happy place to be. As is typical for BMW's in M Sport trim, the seats are trimmed in leather, space for the driver is perfect and interior fittings are well built and placed ideally around the dashboard. Whilst this remains satisfactory, Netcars' exclusive road tester cannot help but feel the desire for something slightly more special for this particular car. Not taking away from the fact that it remains brilliant, the interior feels no more special than an inferior 1 Series in M Sport trim. Besides the occasional unique fittings: i.e. the M135i door sill guards, it seems somewhat everyday in this aspect. Somewhat anti-climatic for what is clearly a special car - albeit not a real M car.
As expected, the driving position is perfect and offers a great low slung position. Adjustments can be made to the steering wheel and driver's seat to guarantee a great level of comfort and control for those of all proportions. Head and leg room remains great for its class for both the driver and all passengers.
Access to the rear seats in our three-door test model proved perfectly adequate. The rear bench itself does strike us as odd. How to regard this depends on if you view the cup as half empty or half full. The rear bench provides space for three, whereas the normal three-door only offers two. With the glass half full, the M135i can accommodate one more passenger, making it preferable in terms of practicality. Although, with the glass reduced to being cynically half full, we can't help but wonder if this car's target market would prefer this to remain a four seater.
Safety - 9
EuroNCAP rule the regular 1 series as worthy of a full five stars in crash tests, immediately placing it at the pinnacle of automotive safety. With driver and passenger airbags, side airbags for driver and front passenger, head airbags for front and rear seats, three-point inertia-reel seat-belts on all seats with belt latch tensioner and belt force limiter integrated in the front seats, crash sensors and Tyre Steering ElectricD Pofwetr ISdtei eritng (EPS) included, the M135i certainly appears to be a safe place to drive.
Optional safety equipment includes a Lane Departure Warning System (£330), otherwise standard equipment offers: Road Sign Recognition, Adaptive Headlights and Advanced Emergency Call.
Quality and Reliability - 10
As per usual with all modern BMW's build quality is simply magnificent. All switches are solid and robust, plastics are soft touch and visually satisfying, seats are comfortable and the aura of a genuinely premium product are obvious.
Reliability also proves a strong point for BMW, who constantly score well in satisfaction surveys. Conclusively, expect more of the same here.
Refinement - 9
The M135i is a well refined piece of machinery. The automatic gear box on our test vehicle proved well ratioed and provided impressive fuel economy for an engine of this size due to the eight gears on offer. Hence proving the automatic transmission to be the preferable option as opposed to the manual.
Wind and road noise is absolutely minimal, as one can expect from a BMW product. Exhaust noise is loud, but obviously this is intended as the noise made is absolutely spectacular. Should the acceleration not be exciting enough, the sound of thunder emitting from the rear tailpipes would prove the stuff wet dreams are made of. Admittedly, this could prove annoying whilst acting civil, but those who deem this a serious concern should look elsewhere.
Space and Practicality - 9
Unlike rivals, including the Volkswagen Scirocco R and Vauxhall Astra VXR, the M135i is a bonafied hatchback. Whilst aforementioned rivals chose the more aesthetically pleasing option of adopting quazi-coupe lines, interior space became somewhat compromised. The M135i certainly does not suffer from an identical fate.
Interior space is brilliant for those in the front, and also great in the back. As mentioned earlier, the rear bench now contains space for three, which could prove beneficial to some buyers.
Boot space is also impressive at 360 litres, putting the Scirocco R to shame. Further improvements are made with the rear seats folded flat, revealing an impressive 1200 litres of pure space. In this aspect, the M135i has found another unique selling point in the world of performance coupe-come-hatchbacks.
Buying and Owning - 8
In spite of the M135i's rapid straight-line acceleration, purchasing prices remain somewhat of a bargain. Admittedly the M135i will find itself drawing the short straw in the value for money field against a Dacia Sandero, but with a starting price of £30,555 for the three-door with manual transmission, the M135i begins to raise eyebrows. For the recommended eight-speed Sport Automatic Transmission, fitted to our test car, the price rises to £31,970.
Several packages are available, including: Driver Comfort Package (£360), Media Package - BMW Business Advanced (£1,550), Media Package - BMW Professional Multimedia (£1,995), Sun Protection Package (£290) and Visibility Package (£390).
Those who deem an integrated Sat Nav as necessary equipment will find themselves requiring a Media Package, whilst those opting for front and rear parking sensors will be in need of the Driver Comfort Package.
Overall though, the M135i offers excellent value for money, especially considering that an entry level Vauxhall Astra VXR is only £3,000 less at £26,995. Add M Sport suspension, an incredibly powerful 3.0-litre twin turbo charged BMW unit and hatchback practicality, and the case for the VXR over the M135i appears somewhat futile.
With the initial purchasing price out of the way, the running costs do appear comparatively bleak. Fuel will most likely burn a hole in the pocket, providing only 35.3 combined and costing 71 Pence per mile. Tax is rated at band J, which costs £250 per annum, which is fairly expensive. Insurance is also rated as group 39, which will prove out of reach for many younger drivers, the original market for the hot hatch. Admittedly, this is not a typical hot hatch, it's a twin turbo charged wolf in sheep's clothing.
Verdict - 9/10
Whilst the M135i appears rather bland in the face of rivals, looks clearly can deceive. Whilst running costs will make prospective owners cry, the initial purchasing price and breakneck acceleration would swiftly turn the crying to tears of sheer joy. The automatic gearbox proves both efficient and beneficial to acceleration. Also the hatchback practicality provides a distinct advantage over the Volkswagen Scirocco R and Vauxhall Astra VXR. Is it a game changer? In terms of value for money, we could consider it more of a throwback. Albeit offering premium quality, epic acceleration and M Sport suspension, for regular hot hatch Dollar.
We like - Brilliant acceleration, practicality, Eight-speed Sport automatic Transmission, build Quality, great handling, purchasing price, safety and reliability records.
We dislike - High running costs (Insurance, road tax and fuel), ordinary styling and lack of interior flare.