The Finalists - 2009 BMW 135i - 2009 Motor Trend Car of the Year

2009 BMW 135i

What They Did Right: Powertrain, steering, handling, quality-all that driving stuff

Room For Improvement: Cramped rear seat, exterior styling, value message

Upon its introduction, BMW's smaller-than-a-3 Series coupe was seen by many as the spiritual successor to the much-loved 2002 of the late 1960s/early 1970s. We didn't entirely buy into that. Those were smaller, four-cylinder cars, while the 1 Series is offered only with an inline-six. The 2002 was a study in minimalism, while a new 1 can be lavishly equipped. That was then, this is now, blah-blah. But none of that makes the 1 Series any less special. It is of course based on the 3 Series, but it rides on a four-inch-shorter wheelbase and is an average of 100 pounds lighter (depending upon equipment). Yet it gets the same powertrains as the 3 and costs less. Hmm...same power, lighter weight, fewer bucks.

Choose between the 128i, powered by a 3.0-liter, 230-horse DOHC I-6, or a twin-turbocharged engine of the same displacement, spooling out a torque-rich 300 horsepower. Both engines can be had with stick or automatic transmission. Our tester was a full-boat 135i, but we've also driven a less-optioned 128i with a stick and can tell you this car is a scream to drive, even in its most basic form. Of the twice-blown 1: "Astonishing speed and mechanical grip. More confident at 150 than the GT-R, which is saying something," notes Loh. "Great squirt between the corners, excellent grip, marvelous steering, tidy dimensions," says Markus. "Terrific motor-no surprise here," adds Reynolds.

As with many Bangle-era Bimmers, the arguing point is design. Some like the squat proportions and "flame-surfaced" detailing. Others have called it "frumpy" with "too many lines stamped into its little body." Check a few popular option boxes, and it gets expensive in a hurry, too. Taken simply as a road-eater, however, the 1 Series upholds BMW's reputation as a carmaker for the drivers among us.
- Matt Stone