BMW to launch 1 Series coupe

• 1 Series coupe to arrive in September
• Choice of one petrol and two diesel engines
• One of the engines is all-new twin-turbo diesel

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BMW will add a third body style to its VW Golf-sized 1 Series range in November. A two-door coupe will join the five-door hatchback from 2004 and the three-door that was added this spring.

The coupe's arrival will also coincide with the debut of a new twin-turbo 2.0-litre diesel engine, badged 135d, that will be fitted to other 1 Series models.

It develops 204bhp and 295lb ft of pull, yet still achieves 54.3mpg in the official test, with carbon dioxide emissions of only 138g/km.

Other engines
It will be one of three engines available in the 1 Series coupe at launch - and two of them are diesels, a sign of the increasing emphasis on environmental concerns, even with stylish performance-oriented cars.

You'll be able to get the baby coupe as a 120d with the existing 177bhp 2.0-litre diesel, or a 135i with the twin-turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol unit introduced when the 3 Series coupe was launched.

With an output of 306bhp, it turns the 1 Series into a flyer - 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds and a restricted top speed of 155mph.

Other engines will be added later, and a trawl through the options available in the 1 Series hatches reveals the possibilities.

Historical precedent
BMW is flagging the new coupe as the true successor to the 2002 of the 1960s and 1970s.

This compact, two-door, driver-focused car rescued the company from near bankruptcy after its disastrous model policies of the previous two decades, including a dabble with bubble cars.

The 1 Series coupe combines the same ingredients of compact two-plus-two dimensions, agile handling and strong performance.

It will be available in SE trim or as a body-kitted Sport model. Prices are likely to be about £1000 up on those for the five-door, with the 135i Sport costing around £30,000.