BMW 135i Coming to US - GTI Shaking in its boots

Most of you are probably wondering when the new recently launched BMW 1-Series will be coming to the US? Well at a corporate event BMW said that it will be officially announced for the US market before the end of 2007 and we could see it at local dealerships around early 2008, reports WindingRoad. Besides that good news, BMW will be launching its high-performance 1-Series, BMW 135i and 130i, in the United States. The BMW 135i has a 3.0 liter inline-6 twin-turbo engine that produces 306 horsepower while the BMW 130i produces 265 horsepower.

Originally BMW was hesitant to sell the new BMW 1-Series to the US market thinking that the image of the BMW brand in the US might loose respect with a low-cost model. Nonetheless, BMW will now be officially launching the car in the US and will compete against the favorite US hatchback, the Volkswagen GTI.
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Greenlight - 1/18/2007 12:32:53 PM

+3 Boost

It's not bad, for it's intended market... but get rid of that toy car antenna!

Heyhuub - 1/18/2007 12:34:43 PM

+4 Boost

Not really competition in my opinion, with a 100 hp more and probably allot more expensive it'll be really a bit in a class of it's own.
Until VW comes with an R36 or Audi with a RS3.

Heyhuub - 1/18/2007 12:35:03 PM

+1 Boost

Still hate the looks btw.

Autoegr525 - 1/18/2007 1:25:45 PM

+3 Boost

chill with the exclamation points!

answer - 1/18/2007 2:19:21 PM

+4 Boost

Sounds like a fun little car.

MunichRob - 1/18/2007 2:24:57 PM

+1 Boost

I’ve always thought the 1-Series to be compared with the Audi A3…maybe now that BMW is bringing a 3 door hatch to the American market Audi will bring their 3 door A3 to our shores as well.

TruenoAE86 - 1/18/2007 4:33:08 PM

+2 Boost

It is quite sad that North Americans generally don't like expensive hatchbacks. I personally like them alot because they are both fun and practical.

At this price segment, I suppose we only have the GTi, mini, and A3. Though it may never happen, I would love to see the 1-series hatch, Euro Civic Type-R, Renault Clio V6, Peugeot 206GTi offered here one day.

chewy - 1/18/2007 4:55:25 PM

0 Boost

No the GTI isn't shaking in its boots. The VW Golf (VW Rabbit here) has beaten the BMW 1 series in several comparison tests. The VW R32 has beaten the BMW 130i in two head to head tests, and was quicker around the track.

The 1 series is ugly and has no rear seat space or trunk space. Of course BMW wannabees will buy it. But they will be dissapointed.

kart1 - 1/18/2007 5:58:30 PM

+1 Boost

I agree GTI shouldn't be afraid neither is it shaking. I don't think that this will sell very well -the main reason will be the high price. Plus the VW may just be the better vehicle.

mstangpny07 - 1/18/2007 5:36:15 PM

+1 Boost

306 hp? I would think it would be too nose-heavy.

mstangpny07 - 1/18/2007 6:54:23 PM

+3 Boost

yes, but as an example, the 200hp 2.0 DSG works better in the A3 than the V6 does. The V6, while more powerful, is too heavy.
Yes, no BMW has ever been nose heavy, so I'm sure it be okay.

BTW, are there any X5 or X3 owners on here? I can't remember.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/18/2007 10:39:49 PM

+2 Boost

I agree. Which is why I think the A3 3.2 is a ripoff.

Heyhuub - 1/19/2007 4:10:56 AM

0 Boost

I disagree about the A3 3.2 being a rippoff, the 3.2 is more off a comfertable GT then the 2.0T. It may not be as agile and sporty but it's definetly a smooth GT.

GeorgeJ - 1/18/2007 8:28:24 PM

+2 Boost

I'll be ordering one as soon as they are available. Small, light, and reasonably practical. I love the way my '06 330i drives, but for me smaller is better (especially when I gain fifty hp). George

chewy - 1/19/2007 12:44:37 AM

+2 Boost

Ever heard of the VW R32, coming this summer.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/18/2007 10:40:32 PM

0 Boost

This isn't competition at all... I think its main competitor would be the S3.

And, if the looks are any indicator, the GTI is definitely not "shaking in its boots". This is hideous.

TruenoAE86 - 1/18/2007 11:46:42 PM

0 Boost

The new GTI is fine enough for me from a performance stand point. Too bad, VW cars have not been reliable enough.

Rupert - 1/19/2007 11:10:10 AM

+1 Boost

a mitsu or scooby has to be serviced, every what, 6000 miles? not an everyday machine, which is why it's cheap. uses a 10 year old platform, a 10 year old interior, an engine with horrific turbo lag that is unreliable, requires specialist tuning and high quality fuel. noisy, unrefined, high running costs.
those are things people don't want in cars. an evo or STI is an amazing car, but i wouldn't have one, neither would most people.
also think of the standard equipment on a scooby.
just think for a second, wonder why they don't want to compete with the impreza? because it's a specialist market, too few people would buy it.

AmazingBimmer - 1/19/2007 10:15:10 AM

+2 Boost

its starting to look nice. M version.. as usual will rule its class.

jochet - 1/19/2007 1:09:00 PM

+2 Boost

I love the car, and think it will be a huge hit for BMW. Here's why look how popular the Mini is, not only are young and old attracked to the Mini, but also the rich and famous. Many households have more than one car. I'm a 55 year old married guy with 3 cars, two BMW's and of course a new Mini. The 1 series will sell well enough to satisfy BMW.

2JZSoarer - 1/19/2007 9:49:01 PM

+1 Boost

Put 300hp in one of these and call it the M1,that would be sweet!!

Heyhuub - 1/20/2007 10:34:27 AM

+2 Boost

You guys don't get the Golf R32 right?