CR tests BMW coupe against Subaru Impreza WRX STi, Volkswagen R32, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and others for October issue


YONKERS, N.Y., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The BMW 135i achieved an "Excellent" overall score and outpaced all its competitors to become Consumer Reports' top-rated sporty car in testing for the October issue. The 135i drew praise for its splendid handling, a punchy engine delivering a 0-to-60 mph acceleration time of 5.2 seconds, and its overall fun-to-drive quality.

Other highly-rated cars in this month's test group of eight sports and
sporty cars were the Subaru Impreza WRX STi, Volkswagen R32, and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, in that ranking order. All three of those vehicles
achieved overall scores that were also in the "Excellent" range, but lower
than the 135i. The four top-rated vehicles ranged in price from $33,630 for
the R32 to $38,078 for the "Evo."

The October test group also included four other cars, which are priced
about $10,000 less and delivered impressive performance for the price. They
included the Subaru Impreza WRX, Chevrolet Cobalt SS, Nissan Sentra SE-R,
and Dodge Caliber SRT4. Prices for those models ranged from $23,310 for the
SE-R to $25,169 for the WRX.

The issue also includes an "Auto Test Extra" report on the Volvo C30
hatchback, which is less sporty than the other eight models tested but is
stylish and capable. It earned a "Very Good" overall score.

"The new 135i is quick, well balanced and a lot of fun to drive," said
David Champion, senior director of automotive testing for Consumer Reports.
"The engine is smooth and powerful and returns relatively good fuel
economy. Steering and brakes are excellent, and the cabin is well finished
and quiet, with comfortable front seats."

Full tests and ratings of the sporty cars group and the C30 appear in
the redesigned October issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale
September 2. The reports are also available to subscribers of
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The only vehicle that Consumer Reports is Recommending from this
month's testing are the Subaru Impreza WRX and the more aggressive WRX STi,
based on previous Subaru models' reliability. The other tested vehicles are
still too new for Consumer Reports to have reliability data on them. CR
only recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at
least average predicted reliability based on CR's annual survey of its more
than seven million print and web subscribers, and performed at least
adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.

BMW began selling the 135i in the U.S. this year, but the 1 Series has
been sold elsewhere since 2004. In addition to having the quickest
0-to-60-mph acceleration time in this group, it also had the shortest
braking distances on dry and wet surfaces, and the highest speed through
CR's avoidance maneuver, which measures at-the-limit handling. The 135i
($37,650 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price as tested) is powered by a
300-hp, 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine that delivers
uninterrupted punch and pulls powerfully from idle to redline. Expect 23
mpg overall on premium fuel. The six-speed manual transmission shifts
accurately and smoothly but is a bit notchy. The brakes are excellent.

Redesigned for 2008, the WRX STi delivers impressive acceleration,
braking, and handling. Still, the STi doesn't live up to the standards set
by the previous generation car. It isn't as exciting to drive, the steering
isn't as sharp, and the shifter and clutch require lots of effort to use.
The STi ($37,640 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 305-hp, turbocharged
2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers quick acceleration when
pressed except in very low revs. The STi returned 21 mpg overall on premium
fuel in CR's own fuel economy tests. Braking is excellent.

The limited-production Volkswagen R32 ($33,630 MSRP as tested) is a
more powerful, luxurious, and pricier all-wheel-drive version of VW's
impressive GTI. It provides superior handling balance, accelerates briskly,
sounds muscular and brakes well. It pampers occupants with comfortable
seats, a high-quality cabin, and decent ride-comfort and noise levels for
this class. The R32 is powered by a 250-hp, 3.2-liter V6 that is both
responsive and strong. The six-speed, automated manual transmission shifts
smoothly and quickly. CR averaged 22 mpg overall in its tests on premium
fuel. Braking was very good.

The Lancer Evolution, or Evo, is an uncompromising high-performance
sports car. With quick acceleration and impressive handling, it is a lot of
fun in the right conditions. But its frenetic highway behavior, stiff ride,
raucous cabin, spartan interior, and confining seats mean that this car is
not for the average driver. The Evo ($38,078 MSRP as tested) is powered by
a 291-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is a strong
performer. Its five-speed manual transmission performs well, but its short
gearing adversely affects noise and fuel consumption on the highway. CR
recorded 21 mpg overall on premium fuel. Brakes are excellent.

The WRX is roomier, quieter, and more comfortable and refined than its
predecessor. But it's lost some sportiness that made the original so much
fun to drive. It still remains a practical, affordable, sedan that's quick
and fairly agile. The WRX ($25,169 MSRP as tested) is propelled by a
224-hp, 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides
effortless power while averaging a respectable 24 mpg on premium fuel. The
five-speed manual transmission shifts well. Braking is excellent.

Swapping out a supercharger for a turbocharger and implementing other
tweaks make the revised 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS a better car and a more
credible sports coupe. It accelerates quickly and has capable handling,
excellent brakes, and a tolerable ride. The engine and exhaust note sound
invigorating. But its score was hurt by unimpressive interior fit and
finish, wind noise, and rear-seat access. The Cobalt SS ($24,535 MSRP as
tested) is powered by a 260-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder
engine that delivers excellent acceleration and 22 mpg overall on premium
gas. The short-throw five-speed manual transmission shifts crisply.

Years ago, the Sentra SE-R was a fun-to-drive little pocket rocket, but
no more. CR tested the sportiest, most powerful current version, called the
Spec V. Yet when it comes to sporty driving, it's unimpressive. It has
decent power and a fairly roomy interior. But there is little that is
special about its handling. The Sentra SE-R Spec V ($23,310 MSRP as tested)
is equipped with a 200-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers
lively acceleration and averaged 30 mpg on premium. Its six-speed manual
transmission is a bit clunky. Braking is very good. The SE-R was the only
car in this group without electronic stability control, a valuable safety
feature.

An attempt to make the mediocre Caliber into a sports car, the SRT4
succeeds only in creating a faster version of a car that was crude to begin
with. The SRT4 is relatively quick, and the engine sounds good, but it
fails to deliver where it matters most: the fun-to-drive factor. Clumsy
handling, a balky shifter, a heavy clutch, a very stiff ride, and constant
loud noise compromise the driving experience. The SRT4 ($24,930 MSRP as
tested) is powered by a 285-hp, 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine
that delivers strong acceleration but feels coarse. The six-speed manual
transmission has long throws and heavy shifter effort. Brakes are very
good.



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