Enjoyable review as as always Tim and I am curious about the M135. Seats and interior look great from my view. It is refreshing to see a car like this still being produced in 2024 🙏
Probably go s3 out of the 3 as it actually looks abit more special and expensive. I’m a BMW man through and through so that tells you how impressed I am with that
@ haha be much the same as the last s3 or golf no doubt. I’ve been in a few hot golf’s and they are dam quick but, I won’t be swapping my RWD slightly tweaked m240i for 1. Unfortunately never driven 1 of the 4wd golf’s only tuned gti and gt tdi. Both were quite quick, dare I say it boring. Did have a quick go in a celica gt4 once before that was quite fun. Maybe it’s just me but, RWD just feels more natural to me and with an LSD to much fun! Think I would ignore all 3 of these hatch backs and go for the GR Yaris as it just seems more special less common. Or potentially its big brother maybe
The last gearbox was the Aisin Toyota 8 speed. The DCT looks to be a better choice, the looks though they are subjective. Have a look at one with the M Performance kit on the BMW site. It looks alarmingly like the Focus RS Mk 3
What they should have done for the M140 is keep the B58 and tune it a little higher to match the competitors, keep RWD but offer and xdrive like the US had for the previous gen. Have someone who isn't cross eyed design the exterior.
See for me the problem with this car and ultimately its rivals is bang for buck. The S3 and Golf r all roughly fall into this cars price bracket all have high end high quality build and finish the only real difference is the power 333hp vs 300hp. Personally, if it were my money id want the extra power too just seems mad that everyone wouldn't 🤷♂️ And what's coming from a BMW owner? I'm on my 4th in a row
It would also be down to insurance, the golf r attends to unfortunately attract wrong owners meaning insurance for them is sky high in comparison .. also brand snobs would rather an Audi or bmw over vw
Love the content mate new subscriber. Look I get they need to make FWD hatch, I even accept that it has to be a 4 pot - look historically BMW are known for the straight 6 but their most legendary car (arguably) was a 4 pot to; the E30 M3! BUT there is very little about the top end 1 series which makes it stand out against the competition, for one, you can’t get over the looks! Ok BMW are all about the driving dynamics, 6 pot etc but they were also the flag bearer for making cars that looked stunning! And the F70 is just horrid mate, I don’t know what made them think that’s a good looking car, people were upset with the F40, not anymore now! I will keep a hold of my 130i for as long as possible and then move to either a M140i or F40 M135i as a daily when the time comes. Regardless, it’s just sad that the era of the enthusiast is coming to an end and this is what they are putting out as a last hurrah, no excuse, Porsche, Honda still make great looking cars now but with BMW it’s a mixed bag unfortunately….
I think they’ve put the focus on the bigger models like the m5 etc being their final hurrahs…it’s a bit like Mercedes, they don’t really care too much about their hatchbacks for sure
@ They should stop making the hatch if they don’t care, they are insulting their own brand by putting out rubbish like this I don’t care how fantastic it drives when it looks like a turd which can never be polished!!!
I said exactly this regarding the F40. I took back all the criticism I ever said about the F40 when this was unveiled. It's just absolutely awful to look at.
Great review Tim as usual. What I will do is take back all the criticism I had for the F40 when it replaced the M140. I thought that was ugly, but wow this is just truly awful. I can't find an angle I like of it.. The rear is just as bad as the front. For me, quad tailpipes on a 2.0 4 pot should be punishable by time in prison. Leave VAG to that nonsense. But BMW? Shameful. They can badge it as an M1 (the big 1 is horrible also)35 all they want, but it's not an M car. So quad tail pipes are a massive no for me. I get it's designed to compete with the S3 and Golf R, but I wouldn't be spending over £40k on any of those, they're all ridiculously priced imo. If I had a gun to my head, I'd be getting a used or delivery mileage M240i with the B58 for £43-45k. I'm not paying that money for a 4 pot I'm sorry. One thing I do like which you touched on though, those seats look amazing. If I could drop them into my 140, I would. Ended up being a bit of a rant but I just cannot bring myself to like this car whatsoever. The video however was great 😉
all good mate, entitled to your valued opinion! Prices of all cars are like this nowadays..everything up by £10k in last 5 years…if you want something new it’s the price to pay 💰
Yes Tim. Really like the front detailed seats. The panoramic power roof. Gearbox selector will grow in time. Nice review. Only gripe is the front end design.
Mine arrives before Christmas. I’ve had the 140i, I’ve just sold my F40135i, can’t wait for the F70… I’ve also added the Dynamic Pack, much better alloys/brakes…great review
No this is the mistake! Look at it to start with, being RWD in the past made it different and more exciting than a golf r. I like 4WD but, with a RWD bias. I’m pretty sure this will be front wheel drive bias boring! 2.0 as well my god just bad to worse. A smooth 6 cylinder should be in the top model. Probably alright but BMW have taken the BMW out of the car. If this is priced anywhere close to a Yaris GR I know which I would go for lol
I think there’s a reason why the s3 and golf r do so well in the hatchback market due to the AWD and daily needs of the car..the financial times we are in now mean most people want a car that can do both and be driven by both talented and not so talented drivers so AWD make sense I guess…as I mentioned a switchable drivetrain would be great but even then as a 1 series I can’t see the need as well as BMW wanting to be closely matched with competitors…
@ in my opinion the m140i didn’t match an s3 or golf it was better. Most people go for the badge straight off the bat and BMW historically not really a hot hatch competitor as such so they pick the golf gti or R. I think if they made it switchable yer ok but, as it stands it’s a front wheel drive bias 4wd! Which is a mistake should be other way like an evo. BMW was known for 6 pot rwd and I can’t see this drawing customers from VW and Audi. I used to think the m140 offers the real drivers choice, although still understated it looked abit more sporty than the golf or s3 plain Jane’s. Now it’s looking like a disfigured ford with a 2ltr in it. Matter of opinion though I suppose but, this for me isn’t no proper BMW lol
Horrid Tim,the 2002 was a great 4 pot engine and so was the e30 m3 but this thing here is neither special or fast so for me it's a big NO,their is to much technical know how these days for BMW to give us just another fiesta type thing..
Nice review! In terms of the gearbox , the F40 didn't have a ZF gearbox, it was a Aisin unit wasn't it?
Enjoyable review as as always Tim and I am curious about the M135. Seats and interior look great from my view. It is refreshing to see a car like this still being produced in 2024 🙏
Thanks Sam, means a lot from you! You’re smashing the content at the minute Mr VW!
Looks like a focus
Yeh said that 😆
I’m still in an M140i - thinking of M240i xDrive even though would prefer rear seats as Golf too bland. Like M2 but think I want XDrive.
Grow up.. it looks like a hatchback
Test drive the M135 alone if you can 😄 you might be surprised especially if your m140i is stock..
Better with m140i sounds better looks better just needs a few bits tinkering to it
Not meant to be compared with those mate, 8 years have passed since the m140i so they’re focused on s3 golf r market
Probably go s3 out of the 3 as it actually looks abit more special and expensive. I’m a BMW man through and through so that tells you how impressed I am with that
Hmmm, not driven the new one so will be good to drive one soonish..stay tuned!
@ haha be much the same as the last s3 or golf no doubt. I’ve been in a few hot golf’s and they are dam quick but, I won’t be swapping my RWD slightly tweaked m240i for 1. Unfortunately never driven 1 of the 4wd golf’s only tuned gti and gt tdi. Both were quite quick, dare I say it boring. Did have a quick go in a celica gt4 once before that was quite fun. Maybe it’s just me but, RWD just feels more natural to me and with an LSD to much fun! Think I would ignore all 3 of these hatch backs and go for the GR Yaris as it just seems more special less common. Or potentially its big brother maybe
@@LukeHolman-k3k 😴😴😴
The last gearbox was the Aisin Toyota 8 speed. The DCT looks to be a better choice, the looks though they are subjective. Have a look at one with the M Performance kit on the BMW site. It looks alarmingly like the Focus RS Mk 3
What they should have done for the M140 is keep the B58 and tune it a little higher to match the competitors, keep RWD but offer and xdrive like the US had for the previous gen. Have someone who isn't cross eyed design the exterior.
@@PreeyenMistry yer exactly basically keep the old 1 lol. Tune it maybe change the seats for Tim as he liked the new seats.
I believe with the F20 right hand drive cars couldn't accommodate the xdrive drivetrain, something to do with the steering column.
@ I know the F22, 2 series had xdrive models in the UK because someone at work had the xdrive.
Great review
Thanks chaps! Need to see in the flesh what you guys can do to one soon!
See for me the problem with this car and ultimately its rivals is bang for buck.
The S3 and Golf r all roughly fall into this cars price bracket all have high end high quality build and finish the only real difference is the power 333hp vs 300hp. Personally, if it were my money id want the extra power too just seems mad that everyone wouldn't 🤷♂️
And what's coming from a BMW owner? I'm on my 4th in a row
It would also be down to insurance, the golf r attends to unfortunately attract wrong owners meaning insurance for them is sky high in comparison .. also brand snobs would rather an Audi or bmw over vw
@@markrhoden68 I’m sorry have you sat in a Golf R? The interior is shite…
Golf R anytime better resale value ❤
If you photoshop the old F40 headlights on the new f70 front it looks extremely good.
My thoughts exactly!
@ already photoshopped it... wish I could send pictures on here but damn it looks fantastic!
front looks like an alfa romeo
I’ll keep my M140 over this any day of the week.
Love the content mate new subscriber. Look I get they need to make FWD hatch, I even accept that it has to be a 4 pot - look historically BMW are known for the straight 6 but their most legendary car (arguably) was a 4 pot to; the E30 M3! BUT there is very little about the top end 1 series which makes it stand out against the competition, for one, you can’t get over the looks! Ok BMW are all about the driving dynamics, 6 pot etc but they were also the flag bearer for making cars that looked stunning! And the F70 is just horrid mate, I don’t know what made them think that’s a good looking car, people were upset with the F40, not anymore now! I will keep a hold of my 130i for as long as possible and then move to either a M140i or F40 M135i as a daily when the time comes. Regardless, it’s just sad that the era of the enthusiast is coming to an end and this is what they are putting out as a last hurrah, no excuse, Porsche, Honda still make great looking cars now but with BMW it’s a mixed bag unfortunately….
I think they’ve put the focus on the bigger models like the m5 etc being their final hurrahs…it’s a bit like Mercedes, they don’t really care too much about their hatchbacks for sure
@ They should stop making the hatch if they don’t care, they are insulting their own brand by putting out rubbish like this I don’t care how fantastic it drives when it looks like a turd which can never be polished!!!
I said exactly this regarding the F40. I took back all the criticism I ever said about the F40 when this was unveiled. It's just absolutely awful to look at.
Great review Tim as usual.
What I will do is take back all the criticism I had for the F40 when it replaced the M140. I thought that was ugly, but wow this is just truly awful. I can't find an angle I like of it..
The rear is just as bad as the front. For me, quad tailpipes on a 2.0 4 pot should be punishable by time in prison. Leave VAG to that nonsense. But BMW? Shameful. They can badge it as an M1 (the big 1 is horrible also)35 all they want, but it's not an M car. So quad tail pipes are a massive no for me.
I get it's designed to compete with the S3 and Golf R, but I wouldn't be spending over £40k on any of those, they're all ridiculously priced imo. If I had a gun to my head, I'd be getting a used or delivery mileage M240i with the B58 for £43-45k. I'm not paying that money for a 4 pot I'm sorry.
One thing I do like which you touched on though, those seats look amazing. If I could drop them into my 140, I would. Ended up being a bit of a rant but I just cannot bring myself to like this car whatsoever. The video however was great 😉
all good mate, entitled to your valued opinion! Prices of all cars are like this nowadays..everything up by £10k in last 5 years…if you want something new it’s the price to pay 💰
@@m140i_james you no better than the BMW designers?… it’ll sell in bucket loads 🤣🤣
Yes Tim. Really like the front detailed seats. The panoramic power roof. Gearbox selector will grow in time. Nice review. Only gripe is the front end design.
Totally agree!
Doesn't look very nice reminds me of a Hyundai abit
Why does the front end look like a ford focus ? Back looks like m2 wannabe
I didn’t ask 😄
@@TimWilliamsHD Engine sounds good ...I wouldn't buy it...
To be fair to the car and BMW...it's capable ❤
@GiftorReid-xv7oo 😄 fair enough mate! Engine does sound good 100%
Mine arrives before Christmas. I’ve had the 140i, I’ve just sold my F40135i, can’t wait for the F70… I’ve also added the Dynamic Pack, much better alloys/brakes…great review
No this is the mistake! Look at it to start with, being RWD in the past made it different and more exciting than a golf r. I like 4WD but, with a RWD bias. I’m pretty sure this will be front wheel drive bias boring! 2.0 as well my god just bad to worse. A smooth 6 cylinder should be in the top model. Probably alright but BMW have taken the BMW out of the car. If this is priced anywhere close to a Yaris GR I know which I would go for lol
I think there’s a reason why the s3 and golf r do so well in the hatchback market due to the AWD and daily needs of the car..the financial times we are in now mean most people want a car that can do both and be driven by both talented and not so talented drivers so AWD make sense I guess…as I mentioned a switchable drivetrain would be great but even then as a 1 series I can’t see the need as well as BMW wanting to be closely matched with competitors…
@ in my opinion the m140i didn’t match an s3 or golf it was better. Most people go for the badge straight off the bat and BMW historically not really a hot hatch competitor as such so they pick the golf gti or R. I think if they made it switchable yer ok but, as it stands it’s a front wheel drive bias 4wd! Which is a mistake should be other way like an evo. BMW was known for 6 pot rwd and I can’t see this drawing customers from VW and Audi. I used to think the m140 offers the real drivers choice, although still understated it looked abit more sporty than the golf or s3 plain Jane’s. Now it’s looking like a disfigured ford with a 2ltr in it. Matter of opinion though I suppose but, this for me isn’t no proper BMW lol
Horrid Tim,the 2002 was a great 4 pot engine and so was the e30 m3 but this thing here is neither special or fast so for me it's a big NO,their is to much technical know how these days for BMW to give us just another fiesta type thing..
Sat in 1 at goodwood in July ,, I thought it was good to be honest ,,, I would take the golf r mk8.5 black edition
@ yer exactly the old m140 looked and went like a BMW. Not like a disfigured ford