BMW M140i 2016
The BMW M140i has had a name change, and with it comes extra power and slightly lower running costs. Keen drivers will love the hatchback’s focused handling, smooth six-cylinder engine, and sweet chassis, but anyone can appreciate its upmarket interior and exciting exhaust note. It’s not cheap, but for what could be the last rear-drive straight-six hot hatch, many will be happy to pay that price.
BMW’s round of updates for 2016 saw refreshed versions of its 1and 2 series ranges, including what was previously called the M135i It’s now called the BMW M140i, but not a huge amount has changed. It’s still a powerful, rear-drive alternative to today’s range of all-wheel-drive mega hatches, and still comes with a choice of three and five-door body styles.
The new name does mean something, though: more power for the 3.0-litre straight-six turbo engine, up to 335bhp from 321bhp. While it’s a small difference, there’s also an extra 50Nm of torque, which helps make it feel more powerful when accelerating through the gears.Not that the M140i was lacking in that department anyway – as the smooth and great-sounding six provides a huge boost, whatever the revs. It’ll blast through the gears with an epic soundtrack, yet is civilized when you need it to be as well.
It’s possible that we’ll never see a six-cylinder hot hatchback ever again after the M140i disappears, as the trend for downsized four-cylinder engines continues at full pace. That’s a shame, as it’s endlessly more characterful than the four-pot units used in so many of its rivals.
Picture Credit: www.topgear.com
Article By KK
