Vehicle: BMW 130i with Steptronic and sports package
Price as tested: HK$418000

Handling: 1-Series is the only front-engine rear-wheel drive hot hatch in the scene right now. With its close to perfect 50/50 front/rear balance, a very well-tuned suspension and rear-drive configuration, 130i is simply a blast-to-drive in any situation. The steering is typical BMW precise with wonderful turn-in. It also weights perfectly on all engine speeds. Its uninstrusive DSC-3, or Dynamic Stability Control, really works exceptionally well, because its an uninstrusive system. It won’t step in unnecessarily unlike some of its competitor’s version. When pushed into corners, the back end of the 130i reacts swiftly and accordingly to the driver’s input without any nasty surprises. There is slight understeer when the vehicle starts to get into the limit for easy correction. On the other hand, 1-Series has a pretty firm ride quality even though its not the uncomfortable one.

Performance: As its designation indicates, 130i is powered by BMW’s legendary 3.0L I-6 24-valver with advanced Double VANOS and Valvetronic technologies. Its good for 250hp and 220 lb/ft of torque. In the 3-Series, this 3.0L is very quick. In the much lighter 1-Series, its blindingly quick even with the smooth 5-speed Steptronic manumatic transmission. It matched up with this 3.0L’s powerband perfectly thanks to the excellent gear ratios. The rest of the package is typical BMW straight-6. Awesome engine note, breathtaking throttle response and a high rev that is anything but.

Brakes: Thanks to the large front and rear discs, with standard ABS. 130i’s braking performance is as impressive as the rest of the dynamic package. The stopping distance is short while the pedal feel is simply astounishing.

Interior: In the last couple of years, all BMW interiors have been a mixbag. This latest 1-Series is yet another example. An ideal instrumentation gauges and superb sports seats are all typical BMW fares. Both the auto climate control and stereo are placed in very ergonomical way either. Unfortunately, the use of plastic around the dashboard and door panels still don’t measure up to the propeller emblem. All those cheap and cracky plastic simply feel more at home in an Infiniti than a BMW.

If your height is over 5.5 feet, 1-Series’s back seat is not a place for you. There is no legroom whatsoever, regardless of how front you have moved the front seats. The headroom isn’t anything spectacular neither.

In terms of cargo space, its as comical as its back seat. Before fold down the optional 40/60 rear seats, the amount of space is smaller than a roadster’s trunk. When a hatchback is meant for practicality, 1-Series simply doesn’t cut it.

Conclusion: Without a doubt, 130i is a very entertaining hot hatch. It got a great engine, awesome dynamic package and wonderful brakes. Sadly, it just doesn’t measure up to the competitions when it comes to interior quality and practicality.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 BMW 130i
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 2.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 2.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 1/5
Value-for-money: 2/5

Overall rating: 3/5