I've driven several 1 series too, and especially with the 130i, no regular FWD A3 can match the driving experience. Same too could be said for 135i vs. A3 SB.

The difference is I'm married and have a 4 year old. So, if I have to spend some hard-earned money on a car that's both useful and good to drive then the 135i falls right off the list. At my age, it's fine to be seen in an E92 Coupe but a 1er coupe has all sorts of wrong connotations.

The S3 SB is far more appropriate in image terms.

Remember, just like most BMW designs these days, the 135i's styling polarises opinion. Many journalists and car fans alike can't quite make up their minds; the 135i does look like a bit of a "Noddy Car" as has been said in countless articles.

When it comes to the A3 the only people I know that don't like the styling/image of the car are die-hard BMW proponents.