Meet the BMW 1 Series coupe

This 2+2-seater, with typical BMW credentials such as rear-wheel drive, promises to be an agile handler with great driving dynamics.

It will arrive towards the end of 2007 in South Africa. BMW will launch two models here, the 135i and the 120d.

The 1 Series coupe share styling cues with that of its hatchback sibling but also takes after the 3 Series coupe.

Design elements include sweeping lines, long bonnet, long wheelbase and large, frameless doors.

The car comes with a wide range of safety features such as airbags and crash-optimised front seat backrests and headrests reducing the risk of injury in a rear-end collision.

There are also an elaborately designed suspension with rear-wheel drive, aluminium double-joint tiebar axle at the front and a five-arm rear axle in lightweight steel.

Of course it comes packed with BMW gizmos such as Dynamic Stability Control including Dynamic Traction Control, energy-saving Electric Power Steering and Active Steering.

BMW 135i coupe