Any thoughts besides the Mini Cooper?
BMW makes it very clear that the new 1 Series, introduced in 2008, took its inspiration from the old BMW 2002 coupe built in the 1970s. BMW says the 1 Series drives like the old couple, although the automaker doesn’t exactly have a fleet of classic 2002s for us to compare against the 1 Series. We’ve had plenty of time in the new 128i and 135i models, and they resemble the classic 2002 in some proportions if you’re squinting and have your head cocked slightly to the left. The 1 Series are pegged as small, fun-to-drive cars just like what the old 2002 embodied.
The 135i with its twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine and 300 horsepower maintains that fun-to-drive factor. Cars.com senior editor David Thomas writes in his review of the 135i:
“What makes the 1 Series different? Is it the fact that it's the least expensive BMW on the market? No, because it only wins that title by a few thousand dollars versus comparable 3 Series models. Is it its small size? Nope; it fits between the pedestrian Volkswagen GTI and Honda Civic coupe in the size department, and it's a full 2 feet longer than the Mini Cooper.
“The attribute that sets the 1 Series apart — specifically the 135i — is its spine-tingling performance chops. To get those thrills, though, you'll have to part with a fair amount of money.”
The 2009 135i starts at $35,600, which is about $14,400 more expensive than a base 2008 Mini Cooper S, but they’re very different vehicles. With a few options, the 135i can easily pass $40,000. See here for the full expert review and where the 135i fits in the market.
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