Although many were reluctant to embrace the 1 Series’ unique styling after it launched in 2004, the coupe bodystyle launched in 2007 boasted a broader appeal. The “startled cat” headlights and the rest of the 1 Series hatch’s front sheetmetal are applied to the coupe, but the bubble-topped roofline and truncated boot are unique and endearing features of the two door. It might look a tad top-heavy to some, but others could justifiably draw parallels between the 135i’s shape and the 1960s-vintage BMW 2002 – or indeed the first-gen E30 M3.
The 135i is bigger than both of them in width, length and height, however, and although it’s the smallest BMW on sale today, it’s spiritual ancestors were even smaller.
But while it might be small by modern standards, the 135i is no shrinking violet. An M Sports bodykit adds a touch of aggression front and rear, with a deeply-contoured front bumper and a sporty rear bumper with a blacked out diffuser-esque panel and a subtle bootlip spoiler. A flexible chin spoiler sits beneath the front bumper.
Aside from looking good, the front bumper is also a functional performance part. The cheek-vents funnel air behind the 135i’s front wheels, actively helping to cool the brakes, while the central aperture channels more air into the engine’s intercooler and radiator.
The metal window frames that are normally chromed on the 1 Series are finished in black chrome on the 135i, and are matched by a pair of black chrome exhaust outlets under the rear bumper.
The 135i’s Xenon headlamps are equipped with BMW’s circular daytime running lights, while the LED tail lights look fantastic when lit up at night.
The 18-inch alloy wheels are sized perfectly for the 135i’s wheelwells, and their staggered width and optimal offset give the small coupe a purposeful athletic stance.
There are a lot of smooth, flowing curves in the 1 series coupe’s sheetmetal. It’s a character-filled shape. It may be small and missing the outright athleticism of its bigger brother the M3, but the 135i has a more breezy personality that makes it easier to like.
Source : www.themotorreport.com.au
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