2012 BMW 1-Series Preview

Filling out the bottom of BMW's performance lineup, the 1-series as one of the biggest stars in the portfolio of the automaker, which like the car of the purest driver within the range of BMW exterior of the much more expensive M3. Smaller and more agile than the 3-series, the 1-Series also uses the same high-performance engines and transmissions as its big brother.

While the capacity for four passengers, the snub-nosed series' biggest difference between her and the 3-series can be found in the rear car is almost worthless. Certainly, real people are behind, but it's probably best reserved for your least favorite friends. Otherwise, passenger room is pleasant with a long, upright roof evocative of the first sports coupe BMWs, the 2002, which gives excellent headroom.

In the spirit of keeping things simple, the BMW 1 Series is equipped with two engines - naturally aspirated and turbo variants of the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder - and kept the cars without too many frills, such as electronic found belt extenders in the 3-series. Rather than a luxury car that happen to deal with, such as the 3-series, we prefer to think of the 1-series as a sports coupe with a nice interior.

Bodystyles: Coupe, Convertible

Engines: 3.0-liter inline-6, 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6, electric motor

Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual, continuously variable automatic

Models: 128i, 128i convertible, 135i, 135i convertible, ActiveE

The biggest news this year is that the limited edition super coupe 1 Series M has come and gone in just one model year. If you do not get your 2011 model, can be out of luck. Filling its niche role in the lineup for the lease-only ActiveE coupe, a fully electric version with a 100-mile range. As for the rest of the lineup, all 1-Series models now have USB connection for MP3 players and iPods as standard equipment. Power seats are standard on all models 135i and the automatic transmission is a no-cost option on 128i models. Additionally, each model receives revised wheel options, and BMW has changed some of the optional paint and leather colors.

With short overhangs, upright styling and an aggressive look, the 1-series looks like a throwback to the boxy BMWs of yore, while wearing the "flame surface" look of the modern automaker's lineup. It is long and narrow, but with wheels pushed to the corners and flared wheel arches, it looks hunkered down for what the road throws.

Although simpler in layout than the larger, more expensive 3-series, the 1-Series gives up little in the functions and features. Seating surfaces are standard leatherette or optional Boston leather. Coupes have 60/40 split folding rear seat, while convertibles have a pass-through, which made standard for 2012. All models are equipped with floor mats and Bluetooth connectivity as standard now - welcome additions to hundreds of dollars added to the bottom line in recent years.

BMW's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission was optional on the 135i the first time last year, replacing the traditional six-speed automatic. The result is a faster car with better fuel economy. Given that the 1-series is very much like a smaller 3-series, the treatment is superb with a go-kart-like reflexes.

Driver and front passenger airbags are standard along with side impact thorax bags and front and rear head curtain bags. OnStar Automatic Crash Response is also standard. Dynamic safety features are standard traction control and stability control.

128i manual: 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway

128i manual cabrio: 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway

128i automatic/DCT: 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway

128i automatic/DCT cabrio: 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway

135i manual: 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway

135i DCT: 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway

ActiveE: Not yet tested