BMW 128i
- Starting price: $31,200
- Fuel economy: 18 mpg city, 28 mpg highway
- Engine specifications: 3 liter, six cylinder
Performance is a dominant feature in the 1 series, which is the only rear-wheel drive vehicle in its class.
The car boasts an aerodynamic Air Curtain design that counters turbulence near the wheel arches, thereby reducing aerodynamic resistance. The Air Curtain is standard on 2012 BMW 128i models. The "SULEV" designation refers to super, ultralow emissions vehicle.
The BMW 128i comes with a 230-horsepower engine, 6-speed manual transmission, heated dual power mirrors, heated windshield washer jets, auxiliary audio input for portable music players in the center armrest and an on-board computer that provides feedback on the vehicle's operating status. A feature that's new for the 2012 model is an extended luggage compartment.
The BMW 1 series comes with an owners maintenance package that includes scheduled inspections as well as oil service, brake-pad and brake-disc service, wiper-blade inserts, and unlimited-mileage roadside assistance for the first four years or 50,000 miles.
The BMW Connected Drive system affords you a host of technologies, all within the reach of a thumb, according to Kelley Blue Book.
The performance features come at a price. At a starting price tag of $31,200, the 1 series is the most expensive small luxury car in this roundup.