New three-door expands 1 Series line-up

We test the 130i M Sport Limited Edition

Since the 1 Series was launched in 2004, it has become very popular with buyers seeking a rear drive hatch with compact proportions, yet it has always seemed rather expensive compared to its more established rivals (read Golf GTI). But BMW is not deterred, opting instead to move its premium level 1er even more upmarket with revised styling and the addition of a three-door variation scheduled to launch on 26 May.

Marking off the refreshed styling and three-door body style is the flagship130i M Sport Limited Edition, whose 3-litre powerplant is claimed to be the lightest six-cylinder production engine in the world. Fitted with BMW’s Valvetronic and bi-VANOS technology, the 130i creates 265bhp at 6650rpm and 232lb.ft of twist at 2750rpm. This level of performance combined with its1400kg weight enables the 130i to achieve 0 to 62mph in 6 seconds, sufficient verve to make it one of our favourite cars at BMW’s multi-car launch (the M5 Touring notwithstanding).

Read full road test here

SLR McLaren loses its lid

Fun in the sun for the wealthy

Mercedes is one of the few automakers to offer a convertible in nearly every size of vehicle it produces; from the compact SLK roadster, mid-size CLK four-seater, to the large SL roadster. With the Ocean Drive concept the company unveiled in Detroit this year, it seems a four-door convertible may be added to the foray in the future, but for now the range-topping SLR McLaren Roadster will have to do.

This latest addition unites styling cues of the successful SLR racing models from the 1950s with the innovative technology of modern Formula 1 vehicles from the McLaren-Mercedes team. The arrow-shaped tip of the F1 Silver Arrow, a styling element in the SLR, establishes a visual link with the legendary racing cars, along with distinctive lateral louvers, side pipes behind the front wheels and wide-opening gullwing doors. Its lightweight semi-automatic top folds down in just 10 seconds, offering ‘undiluted open-air driving pleasure’ for two lucky occupants.

Power is sourced from the same front-mid-mounted AMG V8 compressor found in the coupe variant, delivering 626bhp and a maximum 575lb.ft of torque to the rear wheels. An AMG Speedshift R five-speed transmission shifts automatically through the cogs, while high-performance carbon-ceramic brake discs are charged with slowing the SLR once it’s completed 3.8 second stints to 62mph.

The SLR Roadster utilises many F1-bred technologies employed by partner McLaren. The body is made entirely of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic materials and two aluminium subframes cradle the AMG V8 compressor engine. Riding atop a specially-reinforced carbon-fibre monocoque chassis, the car benefits from low weight and high torsional rigidity, while its wind tunnel-honed aerodynamics have been optimised for handling at high speed. Like its coupe sibling, the Roadster incorporates an ‘airbrake’ to slow the car down from its 207mph top speed and a diffuser in the rear bumper to increase downforce.

Safety aboard the open top SLR is ensured by carbon-fibre crash elements consisting of steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed roll-over bars. Adaptive airbags, knee and side airbags, seat belt tensioners and a tyre-pressure monitoring system are all standard fare.

The carbon-fibre bucket seats - which can be specially adapted for occupants with individually sized seat pads - are covered in semi-aniline-leather, while the cockpit also features dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, a Bose audio system, multifunction sport steering wheel with gear-change paddles, and a navigation system with integral radio and CD player.

Built at McLaren's Formula 1 factory in Woking, England, the SLR will be available from September 2007.