What you think of the M135 xDrive depends largely on the expectations you approach it with. If what you want is something track-tamed, like a Honda Civic Type-R or the old Hyundai i30N, then you'll probably find it a bit too repressed and buttoned-up for its own good. If, on the other hand, your shopping list in this segment includes AWD models like the Audi S3 or its similarly-engineered cousins, the Volkswagen Golf R or the top version of the CUPRA Leon (all of which share a more powerful 333PS 2.0-litre turbo engine), then you might well find this BMW an admirable alternative.
True, compelling isn't the first word that springs to mind when considering the drive experience this car serves up, but it's undeniably impressive. You might, like us, find the ride a little over-firm, but traction out of corners, that thing you had to fight for in the old pre-2019 F20-era 1 Series rear-driven hot hatch model on damp roads, is superb. Plus the four cylinder petrol powerplant is a willing thing and sounds good with its synthesised accompaniment. In summary, the M135 may not be a unique confection. But these days, it's an undeniably more complete one.

BMW Live Cockpit Plus with 10.25" instrument cluster and 10.7" display

Start/stop button illuminated in centre console with keyless engine start and auto start stop deactivation button

Child seat ISOFIX attachment for two outer rear seats and front passenger seat with anchorage points

Contoured M rear spoiler in vehicle colour with side aeroblades in high gloss black

Type C two USB ports in rear centre console

Rigidly mounted rear subframe - Multi link construction with separate spring / damper configuration and excellent driving characteristics

Rear seat backrest with manual 60:40 split folding with 3 top tether clips integrated on rear of seat panels

Anti lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist

Front and rear electric windows with open and close fingertip control, anti trap facility and comfort closing

Dual zone automatic air conditioning with extended contents

Electrically operated hand brake including automatic hold function

Bluetooth / WiFi interface for wireless connection of mobile terminal devices and audio streaming

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years

Man Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years

BMW 1 Series

123 xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto

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