BMW 1 Series M Coupe Review by Piston Heads

The reviews about the BMW 1 Series M Coupe are not yet over. This time, Piston Heads gives their own review of the car’s engineering, inspiration, and the driving experience after taking this much awaited vehicle for a test drive. Here is an excerpt from their review:

Christoph Smieskol, one of BMW’s engineers responsible for the 1 Series M Coupé, tells us that the company took inspiration from the original M3 in the pursuit of a ‘back to basics’ approach. Without saying as much, he alluded to the fact that this is as likely to be in the name of keeping the price of the 1 M down. We’re crossing our fingers for a showroom price of not much more than £40,000 – downsizing is going to be big in 2011.

From the outset it’s torque that defines the new car’s performance. The straight-six yowl is accompanied by a relentless shove in the back, and pick-up from low revs is impressively strong. Thankfully, this car is louder than the quick (but a little too cultured for our liking) 135i. From standstill you’re into third gear in what should be a five-second 0-62mph time. As in the M3, the gearchange is a tad springy, though it’s satisfyingly mechanical and quick across the gate.

Only when you’ve gone up and down the gearbox a few times do you realise that there was never any danger of running into the rev limiter. The grunt tails off, making it more natural to change up and use the torque than eke out every last horsepower. While there’s nothing quite like the thrill of a screaming, naturally aspirated engine, we must be realistic about the times we live in, and turbocharging offers the best balance of performance and economy.

As with the most memorable M-cars through the years, the engine does not steal the show: the 1 M’s chassis is a gem. From the moment you get underway the car feels remarkably different to the 135i. The wide, low stance helps with that, but so too does a direct, well-weighted helm – there’s even some feel through the thick leather bound rim. The same can be said for the brake pedal, which is firm, but easy to modulate.

Source: Piston Heads