Unlike its predecessors, BMW's M135i xDrive conforms to class expectations to widen its sales reach. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

The name's much the same but the car could hardly be more different. BMW's M135i gains xDrive 4WD and a rather different outlook on life from the rear drive M135i and M140i older generation models that preceded it. This car doesn't have the old school track-style appeal those previous models had, but that's because it's matured a bit. If you have too, then you'll probably rather like it.

Background

New models primarily appeal to those who bought the previous version of the same car - but this one's different. In its previous generation guise, the BMW M135i (later the M140i) was a rather unique hot hatch confection, rear driven with a howling straight six engine - a car for the hot hatch cognoscenti. The sort of model a race track instructor would use as his day-to-day drive.

The problem for BMW is that there aren't a lot of those kinds of people. So the M135i has changed - into this, a four cylinder family five-door that's primarily front-driven, with occasional four wheel traction. It's a BMW of the 'M Performance' variety, rather than being a full M car. But it is, the Munich maker insists, despite the change of hot hatch emphasis, a proper sporting BMW. Is it? Let's find out.

Driving Experience

Previous high performance petrol 1 Series variants gained something of a cult following thanks to their sonorous 3.0-litre straight six engines. So if you happen to be an enthusiast shopping at the top end of the range, you might be disappointed to find that this time round, the model badged 'M135i' has a four cylinder 2.0-litre unit beneath the bonnet. Once you also factor in the switch to front wheel drive, the result, as you might expect, is a very different confection, particularly as the power being developed has fallen significantly - to 306hp.

BMW points out that the performance on offer (rest to 62mph in 4.8s en route to 155mph) exactly replicates that of the old 340hp M140i model. And that the new M135i has the added advantage of standard xDrive 4WD, Launch Control and a newly-developed mechanical Torsen limited slip differential to get its grip to the gravel. But it's a very different kind of car from before that now merely replicates what's on offer from obvious rivals like the Golf R and the Audi S3. There's not the same challenge in driving it that characterised the previous generation model - but then, you might have expected that.

Design and Build

As you might expect, the top 'M135i xDrive' variant has its own unique 'M Performance' look. That gives this top variant 18-inch 'M light alloy Double-spoke' wheels with a 'Bicolour' finish and the front, plus the rear bumper styling is bespoke. There's an M rear spoiler, unique side sill covers and a 'Cerium Grey' finish for the exhaust tailpipe, the side M logo, the mirror caps and the frame of the front kidney grille.

The M135i interior's set apart by M seat belts and M sports seats with upholstery in 'Trigon' cloth and 'Anthracite' alcantara. Plus this flagship variant comes with the brand's desirable 'Live Cockpit Professional' package, with its 10.25-inch centre-dash and instrument cluster screens and 'Connected Package Professional' additional media connectivity features.

Otherwise, the recipe is as with any other 1 Series with soft-touch surfaces and the solid feel of all the fixtures and fittings matched on a plusher model like this one by things like contrast stitching and intricate 'Extended lighting' door panel strips.

Market and Model

You'll pay just over £36,000 for this M135i xDrive, which is about par for the course if you're looking at cars in this segment - probably models like the Audi S3 Sportback, the Mercedes-AMG A 35, the Renault Megane R.S. and the Honda Civic Type-R. We've detailed all the visual exterior and embellishments you get as part of M135i spec in our 'Design' section. Many 'M135i' buyers upgrade to the optional 'M135i Plus Pack', which includes Sun Protection glass, a harmon/kardon audio upgrade and a choice of two designs of larger Bicolour 19-inch wheel - 'M V-spoke' or 'M Double-spoke'. Bear in mind though, that you can't upgrade to this pack if you specify the optional adaptive damping system - as quite a few customers for this hot hatch are going to want to do.

Other options you might want to consider include the 'BMW Icon Adaptive LED headlamps' we tried. The brand also thinks that the Head-up display, offered for the first time as an option with this model, will be popular too. And if you think you or your partner might struggle with slotting this car into tight spaces, you could consider the 'Park Assist' system, which automatically does it for you and includes a Reversing Assist camera. What else? Well the Harmon/Kardon 'Surround Sound' audio set-up is worth a look. Plus a wireless charging mat is available as part of an 'Enhanced Bluetooth with wireless charging' option.

Cost of Ownership

This auto-only petrol hot hatch variant manages up to 38.7mpg and (on 18-inch wheels) 167g/km of CO2 - which puts it amongst the class leaders in this segment when it comes to efficiency. Insurance is a group 36E rating.

Routine maintenance is dictated by 'Condition Based Servicing' that monitors oil level and engine wear, taking into account how long it's been and how far the car has travelled since its previous garage visit. You can check all of this using menus in the 'iDrive' centre-dash display; the centre-dash screen's 'Car' section tells you engine oil level, service requirements and (on a diesel model) your AdBlue level. Plus the car will give you four weeks' notice of when a check-up is needed so you have plenty of time to book it. A TeleServices' feature comes as part of the BMW 'ConnectedDrive' services you can also access through the iDrive infotainment system.

You can opt for one of two fixed cost 'Service Inclusive' or 'Service Inclusive Plus' packages which cover you for five years or 50,000 miles.

Summary

What you think of the M135i xDrive depends largely on the expectations you approach it with. It was clearly never intended to be a direct replacement for its six cylinder rear-driven predecessor. For the first time, here's a really quick 1 Series model you could easily justify to the family. The M135i may no longer be a unique confection. But it's an undeniably more complete one.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: BMW M135i xDrive

PRICE: £36,240 – on the road

CATEGORY: SUPER HATCH – GTI HATCHBACKS

INSURANCE GROUP: 36E

CO2 EMISSIONS: 167g/km {WLTP}

PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph 4.8s / Max Speed 155mph

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 38.7mpg (combined) {WLTP}

BOOT CAPACITY: [litres] 380

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height mm 4340/1765/1411 mm