Premium polish for performance market

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

- 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 mortarsized 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.