Unlike the BMW 128ti, a direct rival for the Golf GTI, the M140i is rear-wheel drive. Combined with 50:50 weight distribution, it has an engaging, well-balanced feel. A 3.0-litre straight-six mill ...

the M140i still boasts impressive performance figures, with manual equipped cars reaching 62 from a standstill in just 4.8 seconds. Thanks to a plateau of torque, the BMW feels unstressed ...

It was also what convinced Kevin Bird, technical director at BMW specialist Birds ... four-cylinder here: the M140i came with a 3-litre straight-six mounted north-south under the 1-series ...