BMW has embarked on an intensive new model launch programme this year which has seen an extension of its best selling ranges and they provided a brief driving opportunity this week.
Only a few months after the launch of the highly acclaimed 5-door model, the new BMW 1 Series range has expanded with the debut of an all-new 3-door Sports Hatch.
With its dynamic styling, typical BMW proportions, and rear-wheel drive, the latest BMW model is set to be the sportiest contender in its premium segment. BMW M135i now comes with 3dr bodystyle.
Inside, the new BMW 1 Series 3-door shares its more spacious, higher quality interior with the current 1 Series 5-door, offering increased space and comfort over its predecessor, yet retaining a sporty ambience.
The launch of the new 1 Series 3-door coincides with the arrival of two new variants for the overall 1 Series Sports Hatch range: an entry-level 114i with its outstanding economy and emissions, and the exciting new M135i with 320hp and unique body styling among its many attributes. Furthermore, customers for the new 1 Series 3-door can select from five different model lines, allowing for greater personalisation than ever before.
The range now adds up to eight models from £17,300 for the new 114i and rising to £29,995 for the M135i.
I tested the M135i and revelled in its responsiveness. It packs a strong punch from low revs., pulled hard and on some quiet main roads it cruised well within its limits in sublime silence.
If you want to enjoy the exhaust note, slot down a couple of gears on the paddle and savour the added urgency along with the sharpness of the steering and power of the brakes. Boot space is not brilliant but you have reasonable room for four once passengers slip behind the back seats.
Ride is slightly firm but still very comfortable and I managed to see 28.4mpg recorded on some twisting country roads.
The new BMW 3 Series Touring now provides a stronger blend of thoughtful practicality and outstanding driving dynamics.
Larger, and more spacious inside than ever before, this truly versatile vehicle possesses a wide range of practical features in addition to the class-leading driving dynamics expected of any BMW.
A load capacity that is the largest in its class, complete with innovative storage solutions, is wrapped in a dynamically styled, strong but lightweight body that follows the same winning formula of previous BMW 3 Series Tourings over the years.
After all, it was BMW that invented the premium Touring segment back with the E30 3 Series and it has proved a winning formula ever since then with an average 8,500 new car buyers a year.
Three advanced, powerful, yet frugal engine choices are available at launch. For example, the new BMW 330d Touring produces 258hp and 560Nm of torque, enough to reach 62mph from rest in just 5.6 seconds, yet still achieves 55.4mpg on the combined cycle. Further engine variants will join the range in due course.
The new three model range of 328i Touring is £30,400, the 320d Touring is £29,380 and the 330d Touring costs £34,700.
I did better on fuel with the 330d Touring which returned 36mpg and is a much roomier car now with really useful loadbed, seat flexibility and a smoother ride.
The rear glass hatch can be opened independently of the fifth door and this is useful for dropping in shopping and suchlike. Access is good, the seats quickly fold down in a 40: 20: 40 arrangement and the test car was equipped with a huge sunroof, which unfortunately seemed to have a rattle in its fitting.
The beefy engine was utterly unstressed, it was smooth, quiet and very relaxing to drive with good feedback through the steering wheel and footbrake.
The ActiveHybrid 3 is unique in the compact premium saloon class.
It is the most powerful and efficient fully hybrid in its class by offering the performance of a six- cylinder engine with the efficiency of a four cylinder one.
Powered by the BMW TwinPower Turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine in tandem with a 40kW (55hp) electric motor, it develops a combined 340hp and 450Nm of torque to deliver exceptional performance, reaching 62mph from zero in just 5.3 seconds. At up to 37mph it can travel for 2.4 miles solely on electric power supplied by its high-performance lithium-ion battery.
With a combined fuel consumption of 47.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 139g/km it attracts only an 18 per cent benefit-in-kind company car taxation rate. Just as practical as it economical, the ActiveHybrid 3 retains 390-litres of useable boot space.
The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 SE is priced from £40,225 OTR rising to £43,225 OTR for an M Sport derivative. It went on sale on 22 September, 2012.
The ActiveHybrid 3 produced the best economy of the trio tested with a figure of 37.4mpg.
It really requires no special effort or driving skill to make the most of the technology under the bonnet and floor.
You can simply enjoy driving and see how much fuel you save when its on-board computers decide the best power to use and when.
Electric mode gives a silent getaway and once rolling the engine creamily cuts in and you can either rely on this or get an extra boost from the electric motor.
The additional electric boost comes in strongly but not too sharply for wintery roads and it cuts out equally smoothly as determined by the system.
There is good bootspace, no compromise on passenger room and it rides and handles with comfort and confidence.
Add these physical attributes to the financial ones of running and taxing the ActiveHybrid 3 and they all add up to a very strong business case, never mind the smile it will bring to your face.
