BMW 130i

I’ve thought a lot about the hot hatch market in recent years. You see its come that time in my life when the people around me all seem to be able to afford a new car ( I’m still a bit sore about the fact that I’m not included in the elite) – and given the age bracket they all want a hot hatch. So I am used as a bit of “Idiots Guide” for those who don’t quite know what to buy.

Since I’d only ever had one experience in a BMW 130i, which involved a 5 minute drive around a dealership under the watchful eye of a salesman I managed to con into believing I could afford one, I must admit that I jumped very quickly to the conclusion that it was horrible. And so I’ve never actually recommended one.

On that note I’d like to apologise to BMW for possibly costing them a sale or two, although thats assuming anyone actually takes my opinion seriously. Because in fact this is one of the best cars I drove in 2009.

To explain why, I have to start with the gem hidden under the bonnet. The 195kW straight six purrs into life at the touch of a button in an understated fashion. However there is nothing understated about the power delivery. It’s a truly primal feeling hitting the redline in the 130, as occupants are engulfed it a blur of sensory explosions – the noise from those twin-tailpipes, the rigid feeling through the chassis, objects flashing by as you rocket past 100km/h in 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 250km/h. This is nothing though compared to the surge of torque and accompanying burble from the cylinders found in the middle of the rev band. It’s simply awesome.

It’s a well known fact that the people of Bavaria believe in witch-craft, or front-wheel-drive as the rest of the world like to call it. If you dig out the founding statement of the BMW group it does indeed state that anyone who so much as utters such a phrase inside the factory will be banned from beer fest, a fate worse than death in those parts. And I love that fact.

Even if you took away all that noise and testosterone, the mere fact that the 130 is rear-wheel-drive would have me knocking at the showroom door. The weight distribution is honestly perfect – and I know every motor journalist ever has said that of BMW’s, but it really is. Furthermore nothing can beat the allure of a bit of tail-out fun. At the end of the day this is a drivers’ car and an exceptional one at that.

However there are always a few drawbacks that come with that which is exceptional. Ferrari have their price tags, Tiger has his women and the iPhone has its users. Similarly the 130 has one or two little issues. Space for starters, especially if anyone over 6 foot is up front. However it’s understandable, I mean the drive shaft has to go somewhere. Then there’s the gearbox, which is great when you’re pushing on a bit, but try change from 1^st to 2^nd without jerking – you’re more likely to win the Lotto. Finally the chassis is just a bit too rigid for my liking, which leads to a harsh ride and a lot of interference from the traction control.

Despite the drawbacks this is still one of the best hot-hatch’s I’ve had the pleasure of driving. It may not be the fastest, or the best looking but I guarantee it’s the most fun. And what more is there to driving than that?

Price: R358 500
Engine: 2996cc straight six
Power: 190kW
Torque: 310Nm
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 6.1
Top speed: 250km/h
Fuel consumption: 9.2 (claimed – actual 10.4)

Verdict – guaranteed to have you smiling

Miles Downard

Photo Credit: Quickpic