Friday 24th February 2012

BMW M135i showcases three-door 1 Series

First petrol derivative of M Performance sub-brand is 1 Series shaped

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BMW is set to unveil this, a new M135i super-hatch concept at the Geneva show.

It's the first time the three-door version of the new 1 Series has been seen and, although currently given the 'concept' tag, will come to the UK in production form before the end of the year.

Although it isn't a full-house M car, the M135i uses the same Twinpower 3.0-litre turbo six as the old 1M Coupe, although it's expected to make a little less power - somewhere around 300-320hp.

It will be the next part of BMW's M Performance sub-brand, however, and will join the M550d and X5 and X6 M50d tri-turbo diesels to become the first petrol-powered version of the new range.

Although rear-wheel drive as standard, the M135i will, like its M performance siblings, be offered with the option of four-wheel drive, but not in right-hand drive.

The suspension has also been fiddled with for M Performance purposes, while the wheels have been upgraded to 18-inch M-branded items.

 

 

[roberthiggs]

GOD! When they make a truely different looking car? the escort evolved so much as did the fiesta, all BMW do give a dodgy shape to their headlights and tail lights.

Sticker on boot looks taccy, and the tail lights look a little citroen'esque.

Its a No for me unless its free!