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BMW: HATCH NOW CIVILISED IN M135 xDRIVE GUISE

- Mark Jones

BMW's 1 Series has always been a popular choice among those who wanted a small everyday premium car, and hardcore enthusiasts that wanted to tear up the streets. But over time with the advent of the world going SUV crazy, BMW's 1 Series has become more of a niche car. And with the change from the old days of them being rear-wheel driven and powered by those legendary N54 and N55 engines, dare I say it, the car has become more civilised in M135 xDrive guise as you see it here.

Just like the VAG boys have moved from 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, VW Golf Rs to 2.5-litre, five-cylinder, Audi RS 3s for breaking records. With the new M135 now running the same 2.0-litre B48 four-cylinder powerplant as before, it's no longer considered a weapon for the BMW guys that want to tear up the streets and dragstrips. Today they are spending stupid money on S58 3.0-litre straight-six powered M2s, M3s and M4s.