BMW M135i arrives, but almost sold out

The steroidal BMW M135i twin-turbo hot hatch has just arrived in Australia but you'll be lucky to get one before December as the entire October and November allocation has been spoken for, 116 cars in all.

Priced from $68,400, the rear-wheel drive M135i from the M Performance Vehicles sub-brand is the most powerful hot hatch BMW has ever built, its twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine grinding out 235kW/450Nm for seriously rapid acceleration. The next shipment of 20 to 30 M135i cars are scheduled for December, before more stock arrives in 2013.

"It's a car we've seen stronger forward orders for than any model we've launched in recent years," said Piers Scott, BMW Australia's Head of Public Relations and Corporate Communications, at the national media launch for the M135i.

"If you wanted to buy a car today you could get one, but there are customer names against a lot of the cars to come off the boat this year," added Mr Scott.

Having just driven the car, we can report that it's possessed of very good handling dynamics (despite the lack of electronic suspension trickery) and it's maniacally quick, dispatching the 0-100km/h in just 4.9 seconds in the eight-speed automatic version. The self-shifter attracts a $4000 premium yet BMW says at least eight out of 10 buyers are opting for the automatic. The manual is slightly slower accelerating to 100km/h from rest, taking 5.1 seconds, and is thirstier too, 8.0L/100km compared to the auto's 7.5L/100km. Both cars are limited to 250km/h.

BMW's hottest ever hatch joins the tri-turbo X5 M50d and X6 M50d SUV twins under the M Performance Vehicles banner, which could be seen as rivals to Audi's 'S' range of vehicles. Piers Scott says the new M135i will rivals vehicles such as the Volkswagen Golf R and Audi S3, but isn't so sure AMG's upcoming Mercedes-Benz A-Class will be a competitor.

"I don't count the A-Class just because that's uncharted territory as there's been no predecessor, where in the case of the S3 there has been, and the Golf [R] has proven extremely successful."

Both those models are all-wheel drive, while BMW's local offering is rear-wheel drive. Beemer does offer an all-paw version of its M135i in Europe, which adds the xDrive suffix, but there are "None for our market," explains Mr Scott, who says the rear-wheel drive model is "not wanting for grip in 99 per cent of our driving conditions".

Compared to regular BMW 1 Series hatches the M135i benefits from several mechanical, interior and exterior improvements. Firmer suspension is designed to improve handling and drops ground clearance another 10mm, plus larger 18-inch alloy wheels and sticky rubber are also fitted - shod with 225/40 front and 245/35 rear Michelin Pilot Sport tyres. Unique to the 1 Series hatch range is a Variable Sport Steering system that changes the input required to suit the situation and the brakes are bigger and better, the calipers endowed M logos.

BMW has massaged the design of the 1 Series for this red hot version, with larger air intakes at the front, new side skirts and deeper rear bumper as part of an M Sport package, which also upgrades the interior with Dakota leather sports seats, an M leather steering wheel and side sill bearing the famous 'M' logo. Potential owners will also get Bluetooth streaming for up to two devices, voice control, a seven speaker stereo, plus xenon headlights as standard equipment.

Stay tuned for the full review complete with in-depth details and drive impressions of the BMW M135i.

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site.