BMW's smallest sedan arrives in North America with three- and four-cylinder gasoline engines.

Remember when BMW said the 1 Series Sedan would only be offered in China? Scratch that. The front-wheel-drive sedan riding on the same UKL platform as the 2 Series minivans and the Minis is being launched in Mexico where it joins the RWD 1 Serieshatchback offered in both three- and five-door flavors. Available exclusively as a Sport Line version, the FWD sedan starts off at 489,900 MXN ($24,561) and that makes it roughly $2,256 more affordable than the base 3 Series Sedan.

The entry-level 1 Series Sedan known locally as the 118iA Sedan Sport Line is motivated by a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine developing 136 horsepower and 162 pound-feet (220 Newton-meters) of torque. The three-cylinder mill is hooked up to a six-speed automatic gearbox to enable a sprint to 62 mph (100 kph) in 9.4 seconds and an electronically governed top speed of 132 mph (212 kph).

If that seems a little bit slow, you’ll then have to step up to the 120iA Sedan Sport Line with its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and a starting price of 569,900 MXN ($28,571). The four-cylinder unit is good for 192 hp and 207 lb-ft (280 Nm) channeled to the front axle through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It needs seven and a half seconds to complete the sprint and tops out at 146 mph (235 kph), also electronically capped.

Upgrading to the four-cylinder model will also have a positive impact on equipment as the 120iA Sedan Sport Line has some extra features over the 118i model. Additional goodies include LED headlights, panoramic roof, and a practical 40:20:40-split folding rear bench that will come in handy whenever carrying more voluminous cargo.

The fact that it’s being launched in Mexico doesn’t necessarily mean the 1 Series Sedan will be available in additional countries. That being said, it goes to show BMW has had a change of heart and is now open to the idea of selling its smallest sedan in more markets.

BMW has been graciously stretching out the death of the rear-wheel drive BMW 1 Series for years now, thankfully, but it’s nearing the end. The BMW 1 Series Finale Edition is anticipated to be the last rear-wheel drive, six-cylinder version of the model ever, and it’s only for the Australian market.

Since it’s not in America, the Finale Edition has the benefit of being the hatchback bodystyle, too, which I have to admit I’ve always liked slightly more than the old coupe and Chinese sedan, so I’m extremely jealous.

The Finale Edition will be sold for $3,000 Australian dollars over the sticker price of a normal M140i, which translates to roughly $2,119 U.S. dollars at current exchange rates, for a total price of $62,990 Aussie, or roughly $44,500 U.S.

This special edition of the M140i will only be available with the 8-speed automatic (how hard could it have been to give the manual one last shot in this car, BMW?), and gets the choice of three 18-inch alloy wheel designs, a black kidney grille, darkened head and taillights, and black chrome exhaust tips.

Otherwise the car is basically spec’d out with the other package options already available, including blue brake calipers, adaptive M suspension, leather interior, LED headlights, upgraded audio, and a sunroof.

The powertrain is also the standard but outgoing rear-wheel drive layout with a 335 horsepower turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder with 368 lb-ft of torque, and a limited top speed of 155 mph.

The 1 Series is suspected to return as a front-wheel drive model in the next couple of years, and a front-wheel drive sedan is already marketed as the 1 Series in China. The new car in the Western market is expected to at least have the option of xDrive all-wheel drive, according to Motor1, so maybe it won’t be all bad.

BMW is preparing a front-wheel-drive hot hatch in the form of the new 128ti, based on the automaker's latest 1-Series hatchback.Prototypes are now in the final stages and a launch in Europe is slated for November. The latest 1-Series hatch isn't sold in the United States, so don't expect to see the 128ti here.

BMW's ti badge dates back to the 1800 Ti of 1963. Short for “Turismo Internazionale,” it signified a practical car that was also sporty. It was later revived for the unloved 318ti of the 1990s. With only two doors and a wimpy 138-horsepower engine, the car was neither practical nor sporty.

Thankfully, the new 128ti is closer in ethos to the 1800 Ti than the 318ti. It comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 good for 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic and spins the front wheels only, which is rare for a performance-focused BMW. It also means the new 128ti is an alternative to front-wheel-drive hot hatches like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Honda Civic Type R, as well as the Hyundai i30 N and Ford Focus ST sold overseas.

Beyond the drivetrain, the suspension has also been made stiffer (via higher spring rates and reduced damping), and the locking ratio of the front differential reduced compared to the M135i.

And by losing the all-wheel-drive system of the M135i, the 128ti weighs 176 pounds less, or about 3,350 in total.

Performance numbers include 0-62 mph acceleration in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.

The latest BMW 1-Series hatch shares its front-wheel-drive platform with the 2-Series Gran Coupe we do receive. However, the 2-Series Gran Coupe is offered exclusively with all-wheel drive here, meaning a version with a similar mechanical setup to the 128ti is likely off the cards.

BMW has honed the track-inspired characteristics of its four-cylinder high-performance model for the premium compact segment. Detail upgrades to its chassis components endow the BMW M135i xDrive with noticeably enhanced performance qualities. And the retuned drive soundtrack in the cabin makes the driving experience even more emotionally engaging.

The standout power of the 225 kW/306 hp four-cylinder unit with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology under the bonnet of the BMW M135i xDrive is harnessed more effectively than ever to produce the captivating dynamics and driving experience for which BMW is renowned. Detailed set-up modifications for the bespoke chassis technology result in even better mounting, ensuring precisely controllable driving characteristics even when pushing hard on the track. The optimised traction enables drivers to explore the car's performance limits with confidence, especially when cornering at extremely high speeds.

Sharper cornering dynamics thanks to optimised camber values, new mounts, and precision tuning of spring and damping systems

The camber values for the front wheels of the BMW M135i xDrive have been increased to optimise absorption of lateral forces when powering through corners. A new hydromount has additionally been used to attach the front suspension wishbones, while the mounts for the trailing and control arms at the rear axle have also been redesigned. At the same time, the spring and damping systems have undergone recalibration. The result is a significant improvement in roll behaviour in corners, which has a further beneficial effect on steering feel when the car's sporting abilities are put to the test.

This latest raft of modifications reinforces the commitment of the BMW M135i xDrive to delivering BMW's hallmark driving pleasure. Its chassis technology combines with the engine's extremely sporty performance characteristics and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive to create a flawlessly composed overall package for a richly engaging drive. The compact BMW M model comes as standard with near-actuator wheel slip limitation integrated into the engine control unit. The resultant shortening of the signal paths allows traction to be controlled up to ten times faster than with conventional systems when pulling away, on slippery surfaces and during dynamic cornering. The BMW M135i xDrive additionally benefits from a mechanical limited-slip differential at the front axle. Built into the car's standard eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, it enhances traction and directional stability along with agility and cornering dynamics. With locking factors of 36 per cent when accelerating and 26 per cent on the overrun, the differential is capable of transferring extra torque to the front wheel with better grip as and when required. The customary Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) functions are complemented in the BMW M135i xDrive by Performance Control, which optimises the car's steering behaviour with judicious applications of the brakes.

Specially tuned M Sport steering and exceptionally powerful M Sport brakes can also be found on the standard equipment list for the BMW M135i xDrive. The compact sports car leaves the factory on 18-inch M light-alloy wheels as standard, with the option of 19-inch light-alloy items available in a variety of designs.

Dramatic acoustic experience in the cabin

The twin-tailpipe exhaust system facilitates power delivery from the engine with its reduced backpressure, while also producing a characterful acoustic accompaniment. The distinctive, emotion-stirring sound is also transmitted into the interior, where it is carefully amplified through the audio system's speakers.

The revised soundtrack conveys the signature four-cylinder engine note of a BMW M model to those on board more authentically than ever. The instant response to every movement of the accelerator is translated into corresponding acoustic signals. From the powerful building of torque under acceleration through to the drop-off in load on the overrun, the power unit's operating state is clearly discernible at all times. Starting the engine prompts a sound composition specially created for this model, adding another facet to the rich acoustic experience inside the car.

New paint finishes for a high-impact look

A new selection of particularly striking paint finishes has been introduced to accompany the performance enhancements and underscore the individual character of the BMW M135i xDrive. BMW Individual paint finishes and special customer requests can also now be incorporated into the manufacturing process at BMW Group Plant Leipzig, where the compact model is built. The special colours require additional servicing and technical support work, with an increased number of manual processes. To cater for this, an existing paint shop was modified and the number of employees working there increased by ten.

The BMW Individual paint finishes bring even greater visual impact to the high-performance model's modern design language and bespoke styling features. New additions to the range of exterior colours for the BMW M135i xDrive include the M paint shade Sao Paulo Yellow non-metallic, as well as the Frozen Orange metallic and Frozen Pure Grey finishes.

BMW M135i xDrive to delivering BMW's hallmark driving pleasure.