The last time BMW tried this “baby Bimmer” thing, it was a massive cock-up. The 318ti hatchback, meant to be inexpensive, only succeeded in being cheap.
Powered by a somnolent little four-cylinder engine and having a dated-even-for-the-time rear suspension, the ti was neither as quick or as sure-footed a sporty hatch as we expected from the mainstream company that literally defined handling. That BMW was able to retain its premium brand image in the face of such a glaring example of hubris is either testimony to the loyalty of its fans or the kind of amnesia Jaguar wishes would let people forget the X-Type.
The lesson was not lost on our Teutonic friends. For one thing, when the latest baby Bimmer—the 1 Series—comes to our shores, it won’t be the perceived-as-cheaper hatchback version that’s been available in Europe since 2004, but the newer, perceived-as-premium coupe variant. As well, though other, lesser engines are available, the Canadian 1 Series Coupe will be available only in 128i and 135i guises.
If the 135i’s performance around Sweden’s Gotland Ring race track is any indication, the new 1 is indeed more 2002 than 318—if the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) is switched off, that is. BMW’s traction nanny cuts in far earlier than the superb chassis needs, actually causing the 135i to flounder about a little like a Toyota Camry—OK, not quite like a softly suspended Camry, but it definitely cuts in early enough to prevent any throttle steering and, if the front tires even threaten to scrub off any speed, the 135i’s electronic minder goes into a full tizzy. Turn it off, and all that BMW handling prowess turns the 135i into a miniature road rocket.
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