306 hp for the 2008 1 series!

[Kirby]

(autoinsidernews) - After BMW’s 130i got beat by Volkswagen’s Golf R32 in a two car comparision on BBC’s Top Gear, BMW is preparing a hotter version of its 1-Series. BMW is dropping its 306-hp turbocharged 3.0L six-cylinder from its new 335i into the 1-Series to make it the ultimate sports-hatch, reports Trend.

With the 306-hp engine, the BMW 135ti should take the title of hottest hatch at least until the VW comes out with a Golf R36. The BMW 135ti is expected to debut in 2007 as a 2008 model.

 

[Militant-Grunt]

Thats not the point that Top Gear was trying to make, the bmw is still hugely more expensive over the VW. R36 will be out soon anyway haha.

 

[DSK]

I watched that, and BMW130i was a more fun on their track and a great drive. The reason why it lost overall was due to the lack of space/practicality and the £30K+ price tag for the BMW 130i with some M-Tech goodies.

Personally, I think with the 1 series, BMW would have been better off competing with something smaller like the small city cars (e.g. Citroen C2, Merc A Class, Toyota Yaris etc) that are selling like hot cakes due to fuel costs and ever new motoring taxes in the UK and some EU countries.