The BMW 1 Series Coupé makes its debut in South Africa early in 2008. Deemed as the spiritual successor to the 2002, the agile and powerful coupé looks set to knock its competitors for a straight six when the first models arrive in local showrooms.At first glance, the compact looks of the 1 Series Coupé deceive the eye because measuring 4360 mm long it’s larger than the sporty little BMW coupés of the 80s – notably the 325iS and 333i. Actually, those dimensions (1 748 mm wide and 1 423 mm high) are not far off those of many range-topping sports GTs – though in it’s own price bracket (an estimated R364 000 for the 135i) it remains to be seen whether or not a manufacturer can match the bang for buck offered by the flagship model.
The shape of the 135i – long bonnet, far-back driver seating and boot that appears to be mere notch in the rear are dynamics BMW has managed to pull successfully through the years. The kidney grille and quad headlamp (bi-xenon optional) designs are unmistakeable BMW attributes. Although the overall design is more understated than head-turningly audacious, the 1 Series Coupé is a looker with it’s sculpted wheel arches, wide front air dam, 18-inch light alloy rims (17-inch on the 120d Coupé), M Aerodynamics Package for the 135i and gurney flap with integrated brake light.
Two engines are primarily available – the award winning twin-turbo 3,0-litre straight six for the 135i Coupe and a 2,0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel with common-rail injection for the 120d Coupe. A 125i Coupé is also in the pipeline for introduction at a later stage.
The 135i develops 225 kW at 5 800 r/min and 400 N.m from 1 300 to 5 000 r/min, accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5,3 seconds and goes on to an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h. The 120d produces 125 kW at 4 000 r/min and maximum torque of 340 N.m at 1 750 r/min – 3 000 r/min. Acceleration to 100 km/h from standstill takes 7,7 seconds and the 120d is capable of a 225 km/h top speed, BMW claims. Both models make use of a six-speed transmission in manual or automatic (with optional steering-wheel paddle shifters for the 135i).
It’s no secret that this is no conventional five-seater and BMW is marketing the 1 Series Coupe as a 2+2, with two individual seats behind that of the driver and passenger to maximise comfort for rear occupants and a storage box between the two for additional storage space. There is a choice of four upholstery options for the 1 Series Coupe – depending on exterior colour and driver preference – two cloth, one cloth/leather combination and a full leather option. These upholstery options include the choice of three colours and nine colour options for equipment and trim.
The list of standard features is as expected of an upmarket vehicle with daytime driving headlamps, two-stage LED brake lights, ISOFIX fastenings for child seat on both of the rear seats and iDrive to control all communication, entertainment and (optional) navigation functions. Features such as ABS, Automatic Stability Control, Dynamic Stability Control, Active Steering (optional), Cornering Brake Control and Dynamic Traction Control are included in the 1 Coupé’s safety specification.
Besides the high-strength steel structure and special deformation elements that feature in the construction of a 1 Series Coupe, the secondary safety features list offers six airbags, three-point inertia-reel seat belts on crash-optimised seats (specially padded headrests and backrests) and pedals that collapse with the predetermined deformation (in the event of a head-on collision) of the footrest, BMW claims.
Sports-minded owners are also able to opt for the M Sports Package that is already found in part, in the 135i Coupe, as it comes standard with the specially designed M front and rear bumpers, special side sills and fog lamps. Other notable features of the M Sports Package include high-gloss satin chrome for the side windows, M light-alloy wheels in two designs (from 17-inch to 18-inch), M leather steering wheel, sports seats and trick M Sports Suspension.
