Like its 7-series bigger brother, the diminutive BMW 1-series is being upgraded for the 2010 model year with new engines and several special edition models. New to the lineup are the 120i and 118d 1-series Coupes, as well as the Lifestyle and Sport Editions of the three and five-door Hatchback models.

Still the only rear-wheel-drive model in the compact segment, the BMW 1-series offers a unique blend of sporty driving and compact car efficiency. Nowhere is this more evident than in the 1-series Coupe, which for 2010 will be available with a direct-injected 2.0L four-cylinder engine developing 170hp (125kW) and 155lb-ft (210Nm) of torque.

With the new engine, the 120i Coupe will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 224km/h. Fuel economy comes in at 35.6mpg (6.6L/100km).

Also available is a 143hp (105kW) 2.0L turbodiesel with 221lb-ft (300Nm) of torque on tap. This power unit offers a respectable combination of performance and fuel economy, with the 118d Coupe accelerating from a standstill to 100km/h in 9.0 seconds and reaching a top speed of 210km/h. Average fuel economy comes in at 52mpg (4.5L/100km).

Both new variants of the 1-series Coup also come as standard with a wide range of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies such as brake energy regeneration, an engine stop-start function, a gearshift point indicator and ancillary units with on-demand management and control.

In terms of style, the three and five-door Hatchbacks can be ordered in either Lifestyle or Sport Edition Models, both of which feature unique color schemes, 17in wheels, and special trim.

2010 BMW 1-series