2013 BMW 1 Series Coupe

If you're looking for a way into the compact sports car segment, the BMW 1 Series is an excellent contender to consider, despite its extensive run in the US market. Although the M Coupe has been scrapped from the lineup, a worthy successor has been introduced that offers exhilarating performance and sublime handling dynamics - at a cost upwards of $43k. Still, with pure rear-wheel-drive thrills, nimble handling, and classic good looks, there is not much to dislike about the baby coupe, barring the fact that there will not be a future for the BMW 1 Series in the USA next year.

With no updates for 2013, the BMW 1 Series Coupe retains the sleek and elegant styling reminiscent of its larger 3 Series sibling, albeit with a shorter rump. There is an integrated spoiler on the trunk, with an additional lip given to the 135i. Xenon adaptive headlights and DRLs are included, while LEDs light up the posterior. There is a wide range of exterior colors and enhancement bundles that supplement the athletic appeal. There are power-folding wing mirrors and twin exhaust outlets, and a moonroof, on all iterations, while 17-inch wheels are the default with the choice of equipping 18s instead.

With its slight dimensions, the two-door coupe is the smallest in the Bimmer family at a length of 172.2 inches, a width of 76.1" including mirrors, and standing 56" tall. Curb weight ranges from 3,208 pounds to 3,439 lbs depending on grade and gearbox selected.

128i models have a naturally-aspirated 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine under the hood producing 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. A solid nudge up in power is garnered from the turbocharger strapped to the 135i for a total of 300 hp and lb-ft, while the 135is - all-new for this model year - is tweaked to put out even more at 320 horses and 317 lb-ft. These are all mated to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT, though, and all three models are rear rear-wheel driven.

Designed to send your heart racing, the coupe is the perfect culmination of mechanics to achieve that. Base models require more than six seconds to get to sixty, with fractionally more time needed for those with the auto. For tangible performance, the 135is does the 0 to 60 sprint in less than five counts. Top speed for the two lower-rung trims is 130 mph, but for those with the M Sport Package and an increased top-speed limiter, 150 mph is reachable - which is the maximum for the 135is, too.

Available in various configurations, powertrain outputs vary from the 230-hp baseline to a hundred more ponies on the 135is. This translates to satisfactory acceleration on the former, and exciting take-offs on the latter. Sending power to the back is a winning recipe and, with the advanced suspension, allows for spirited driving and effortless corner-carving antics. The DSC can be deactivated when you want to let your hair down. This is a progressive stability system, allowing you to have some slip while still keeping you facing the right way, while an all-the-way-off option (if you hold the button down for the required period) turns off the stability management completely. This is a beautiful machine that serves just as well for showing off in traffic as it does on track days.

With the underpinnings tuned for sporty shenanigans, the ride quality does tend to be affected when driving tamely around suburbia, with road abrasions and harsh bumps feeding through to the cabin a little more readily than we'd like. That being said, the regular suspension setup in the 128i is more forgiving, so be sure to choose carefully when buying. But, regardless of which you go for, it is worth remembering that a proper limited-slip differential is not fitted here, as on true M cars, so be wary of how aggressively you take corners if you aren't experienced with handling slides. It is recommended that you test drive it in each of its guises to see which variation suits your needs.

Gas mileage is a bit of a mixed bag, with the 128i rated by the EPA at 18/28/21 mpg with the auto 'box, and gaining a point on city and combined cycles with the manual. The 135-derivatives, with their twin-scroll turbo, attain 18/25/20 or 20/28/23 for auto and manual, respectively. While this is not particularly bad in comparison to other entry-level sports cars, competition in the form of the Audi TT manages 22/31/26 mpg, with the RS editions sharing figures with the 135i.

As is expected of the German automaker, the interior is intended to look and feel luxurious and BMW has managed this excellently - for the most part. Our biggest gripe is related to the slightly cramped overall space, but most especially in the back where the 2+2 layout feels a little optimistic, at best. This really should be reserved for children or utilized as storage. The bucket seats up ahead are relatively comfortable, even for stockier adults, with adequate support and side bolstering.

Materials used are of high-quality and, although color-schemes are dependant on pre-arranged combinations with exterior paints, upholstery in leatherette or leather comes in Taupe, Black, Oyster or Savanna Beige, or in more alluring shades such as Coral Red and Black with Blue contrast stitching. Glossy, wood, or aluminum accents are accessible to finish off the inside in style.

There are some changes to the features schedule over the previous versions, and more conveniences are now installed off the factory floor than before. Still using an older version of BMW's iDrive, there is Bluetooth connectivity, HD Radio capability, and steering-mounted controls to adjust your aural experience. Although the operation itself may be frustrating, it is not overly complex and does the job just fine as far as infotainment goes. Manual seat adjustment is found on lower-spec models, while the 135i variants have eight-way power-adjustable perches; heating and lumbar settings are up for grabs, too. Keyless entry, park distance control, and cruise control are also fitted, while automatic climate control ensures things stay temperate. Navigation, ambient lighting, rear parking sensors, and a premium ten-speaker Harman Kardon sound unit are optional.

There is a six-airbag consignment for your safety, namely dual front, side, and side-curtain airbags, and although neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has done any review of the BMW 1 Series, ABS, stability and traction control, and tire-pressure monitoring are incorporated to mitigate any doubts. JD Power scores the range with a 71 out of 100 reliability rating.

In terms of the price of the BMW 1 Series, 128i models have an MSRP of around $32k, while the 135i contributes a further $8,000 to the bill. For the 135is, you have to set aside no less than $44k. These are base prices and exclude taxes, licensing and registration. While this could be exorbitant to some, competitors from Audi are actually pricier. The 1 Series remains one of the best cars to drive in the class, with superb handling and a playful, responsive nature that is bound to make you very happy, if you are able to deal with the tight accommodations and pricey extras lists.