BMW's new 130i - six into 1 really goes

It had to happen. When BMW announced their diminutive 1 Series, it fitted perfectly with the upmarket, luxury, high-tech image of BMW in almost every way except one - where was the performance model? So it was no surprise when the enthusiast element at BMW shoehorned the new high performance in-line six cylinder engine into the vehicle to produce the widely anticipated 130i. Boasting a power output of 190 kW, with an awesome 300 Nm of torque, performance figures of 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h are the tantalising results. The BMW 130i will make its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Driving the rear wheels, the BMW 130i retains the optimum 50/50 weight distribution of the 120i thanks to the new weight-saving technology used in the engine.

The BMW 130i is aimed at performance enthusiasts who enjoy the rear-wheel driving experience, where engine output is not frittered away in wheelspin, nor steering response corrupted by torque steer. In testing, BMW engineers have lapped the famous Nurburgring North Loop in under 8m35s in the 130i, a time comparable to that of supercars selling for many times the 130i's price.

The new 3.0-litre in-line six is state-of-the-art in modern engine design. The engine uses advanced BMW Bi-VANOS fully variable valve train with infinitely variable camshaft timing for the inlet and exhaust valves and VALVETRONIC control of valve opening time and lift. The result is silky smoothness and an exhilarating growl from idle up to 7,000 rpm.

The aluminium-magnesium composite block is a world first for a six-cylinder, though the BMW composite technology and bedplate block design has been borrowed from the new V10 5.0-litre found in the M5 and M6 supercars.

Weight-saving was a key priority of the engine designers. Hydro-formed camshafts, and an electrically driven water pump and magnesium cover make the R6 the lightest six-cylinder in its class and sips just 9.0-litres of fuel per 100 km on the standard EU composite cycle.

BMW excels in understated style, edged with a hint of menace. Thus the BMW 130i comes with a set of specially designed 17-inch V-Spoke light alloy wheels. Subtle modifications at the front add chromed radiator grille fins and twin chrome tailpipes at the rear valance.

Standard interior trim includes sport seats, leather steering wheel and an instrument cluster with added gauges and displays specially designed for the 130i.

Active Steering is offered for the first time on the BMW 1 Series. This multi-award winning system virtually doubles the steering effect at low speed to make manoeuvring simple.

The BMW 130i has all the driver-friendly features of other 1 Series - run-flat tyres, tyre defect indicator, Brake Force Display stop lights, DSC dynamic stability control including panic stop detector, electronic differential lock and traction control, as well as cornering brake control. Six airbags are also standard.

The BMW 1 Series has already been awarded the maximum possible Five Star EuroNCAP crash test rating, proving that smaller cars can adequately protect their occupants in high-speed impacts.

The BMW 130i thus delivers all the traditional BMW core strengths in a highly concentrated form. High performance, engineering integrity, safety, comfort and advanced technology combine to deliver the Ultimate Driving Machine experience.

Specification and pricing will be announced in due course.