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BMW 135i Coupe |
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After this, its fourth consecutive year as champion, we are running out of superlatives for the BMW 135i Coupe. Yes, it really is that good. And it’s not as if the 135i is winning year-in, year-out, by default. Far from it – things are in no way stagnant in the Sports Cars Under $80,000 category. For example, last year the 135i saw off Volkswagen’s trilogy of hot Golfs – the R, the turbo-diesel GTD and generation VI of its perennial favourite, the GTI – Audi’s then-new 2.0 TDI Quattro TT, Subaru’s revamped WRX and STi, Renault’s Megane and Clio Sports offerings and Peugeot’s sleek RCZ. And as well as the usual suspects, this year the BMW faced bold new challenges from Volkswagen’s Polo GTI, Audi’s A1 TFSI Sport and Renault’s Megane RS 250 Cup, all quality cars. And, yet again, it finished on top. First, the bad news ... Now costing $2200 more than this time last year, the 135i takes a hit on price, depreciation, running and repair costs, insurance and fuel consumption. And it’s only on the cusp of average for warranty and standard features. This makes the 135i’s ability to win all the more remarkable, for it first had to overcome a considerable deficit in Value for Money, normally the automatic demise of any vehicle that scores poorly in what is a critical objective area. It does this by achieving perfect 10s and nines (and one eight) in all 10 Design and Function and On the Road criteria. Under the bonnet is a 225 kW twin-turbo, direct-injection, 3.0-litre straight-six, winner of several international design awards going back some years. This is one complete engine, readily willing to send the tachometer needle racing to redline, or (thanks to a broad expanse of torque between 1300 and 5000 rpm), impress with its mid-range muscle. And when it really goes to work, there’s a stirring soundtrack to match. All that would count for nothing if the chassis and rest of the package failed to measure up. But here, BMW has blessed the smart-looking coupe with the ultimate in underpinnings to complement its class-leading performance: near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, rear-wheel-drive, tuned suspension, hi-tech braking system and a comprehensive tyre and wheel combination. Indeed, its braking is class topping, and the BMW is just a point behind the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR for handling. Ride quality, while understandably firm, is agreeably compliant for everyday use. The six-speed manual gearshift is rifle-bolt precise, though the optional six-speed sequential (paddle) shift auto is even quicker. The 135i tops the class for comfort, with its front seats providing rib-wrapping support and durability. There’s room (albeit, not a lot) for the occasional rear seat passenger or two and even a useful boot, unlike many a sports car in the traditional sense. An extensive safety and standard features list includes airbags plus advanced stability and traction control systems and M-Sport package. Simply put, the BMW 135i Coupe is the complete driver’s car.
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