While it shares several styling cues with that of its recently-facelifted hatchback sibling, the 2+2 seater is available in 135i and 120d guises only.
Tiny body, big power
The 135i is powered by the potent twin-turbocharged three-litre straight six that produces 225 kW and 400 Nm and has been lifted straight from the bigger 3 Series range.
Equipped with this engine, the 1 coupe sprints from 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and on to a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h.
The 120d is quoted as being the more frugal coupe (5.5l/100 km on the combined cycle versus the 9.6 l/100 km claimed for the 135i) and uses BMW's existing 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine.
It churns out 125 kW at 4 000 r/min and 340 Nm at 1 750 r/min and the manufacturer claims this is good for a top end of 226 km/h.
The turbodiesel covers the benchmark 0 - 100 km/h run in 7.6 seconds.
Six speeds all round
Both models are mated with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. BMW's six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission is optional.
BMW's proven rear-wheel drive configuration and a 50:50 weight distribution ensure the latest models remain driver's cars. It rides on an aluminium front axle and multilink rear suspension.
The cars are also be equipped with a host of standard and optional equipment, including active steering, DSC and a satellite navigation system.
Prices:
120d - R282 000
135i - R364 000