Premium polish for performance market

BMW's M135 brings some glitz to the hatchback segment, writes Tom Sharpe

- 

Only if you glimpsed the modest M Sport badge on the grille or the massive callipers peeking out from within the optional 19-inch forged alloys does BMW's M135xDrivetruly reveal itself front the front end.

But while its face remains loyal to the 1 Series' premium hatchback roots, a quick walkaround reveals the flagship model's four mortar-sized exhaust pipes... this Bavarian charger is very much business at the front and party at the back.

Those quad pipes do little to provide a fruity soundtrack, though.

Press the start button to fire up the engine and nobody glances over as you are greeted by a flamboyant flare of engine and exhaust noise.

This is because the enjoyably gutsy soundtrack is synthetic, piped into the cabin via the impressive Harman/Kardan sound system.