2:04 pm, October 20, 2021
BMW has upgraded its M135i in a bid to improve the hot hatch’s handling.
The German carmaker has given the model a raft of chassis updates which it hopes will improve the ride.
The suspension system has also received a number of tweaks including redesigned mounts and recalibrated spring and damping systems.
Under the bonnet, it retains its 302bhp four-cylinder petrol engine that sends power to all four wheels.
The M135i can go from 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds, has fuel economy of up to 38.2mpg and CO2 emissions up to 179g/km.
Other improvements for the M version of the 1 Series include specially tuned steering, uprated brakes and lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels that can be upgraded to 19 inches at extra cost.
A twin-exit exhaust system helps a little with engine response through reduced backpressure, while also improving the sound output.
However, this is also aided through the transmission of artificial sound through the car’s sound system to more audibly convey the engine’s performance.
The updated M135i also gets a choice of new paint jobs thanks to improvements and increased personnel at the firm’s factory in Leipzig, Germany, where the 1 Series is built.
New exterior colours include Sao Paulo Yellow non-metallic, as well as the Frozen Orange metallic and Frozen Pure Grey finishes.
Prices for the M135i have not been confirmed but expect a slight increase on the outgoing model’s £37,700 starting point.
