German Car Zone

Oshawa, Ontario - Just as cheap gas prices and wide-open spaces once shaped North America's automotive industry, Europe's pricier petrol and tighter city quarters resulted in vehicle segments that, up until now, we've never really explored. But as our fuel prices soar, more of these vehicles are making their way across the ocean, including those of the premium compact - cars like Mercedes-Benz's B-Class, Audi's A3 and now, BMW's 1 Series.

Available as a cabriolet (convertible) or coupe in Canada (a delightful little two- or four-door hatchback is sold in Europe, but BMW Canada says not to expect it here, at least in this generation) the 1 Series comes as the 128i, with 230-horsepower naturally-aspirated 3.0-litre inline-six, or as my tester, the 135i, carrying the twin-turbo 3.0-litre that has twice now been named "International Engine of the Year", and justifiably so.

If those powerplants sound familiar, it's because BMW also puts them in the 3 and 5 Series, but here, they're into vehicles that are smaller, lighter and even more fun to drive. My choice for the next permanent resident of my garage used to be a 3 Series, but now, "the One is the one".


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CanadianDriver: Test Drive - 2008 BMW 135i cabriolet


M

Probably the first time I see the 135 cab without iDrive.....looks sort of weird without it.

I'll take the coupe,thank u