New 2010 BMW 128

After making its U.S. debut in 2008 as a compact luxury coupe and soft-top convertible, the 2010 BMW 1 Series delivers knockout power and performance and is packed with standard and available interior gadgetry.

The 2010 BMW 1 Series consists of the base 128i (RWD) and turbocharged 135i. The 128 is equipped with a 230-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline-six engine mated to a six-speed automatic with auto-manual shift or a six-speed manual transmission and EPA estimated fuel economy ratings are 18 mpg in the city and 27-28 mpg on the highway. The fast and nimble 128 can race from 0-60 in an estimated 5.9 seconds, while the 135 tops that at 5.1 seconds.

The BMW 128 competes against the likes of Mazda RX-8 and Nissan 370Z and, for 2010, it gains HD radio and optional automatic high beams, but loses its standard sunroof. The 128 rests on 17-inch alloy wheels and features standard heated side-view mirrors and windshield washer jets, rain-sensing wipers and a power soft top that can open or close in 22 seconds (on convertible models). Also available are adaptive headlights that follow the direction in which you are steering. The 135 sits on 18-inch wheels and is equipped with a more powerful engine and sport-tuned suspension.

Inside, leather seating surfaces for up to four occupants can be had as an option and a 60/40-split folding rear seat provides more trunk volume (up to 13 cubic feet). Convertible leather seats feature BMW’s sun reflective technology, which lowers the temperature of seating surfaces exposed to the sunlight. Additional standard offerings include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, 10-speaker stereo with a CD player and MP3 capability. An optional Sport Package replaces the front bucket seats with more aggressive-bolstering sport seats and an optional navigation system utilizes BMW’s iDrive control system. Heated front seats and keyless igntion also can be had as options.

The 2010 BMW 128 is protected by a host of standard safety technologies, including side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags for front and rear occupants (except for the convertible, which gets pop-up roll bars), an electronic stability system and antilock brakes.

As either a compact luxury coupe or soft-top convertible, the 2010 BMW 128 is geared toward those who are performance minded.