The BMW 135i achieved an “Excellent” overall score and outpaced all its competitors to become Consumer Reports’ top-rated sporty car in testing for the October issue. The 135i drew praise for its splendid handling, a punchy engine delivering a 0-to-60 mph acceleration time of 5.2 seconds, and its overall fun-to-drive quality.

Other highly-rated cars in this month’s test group of eight sports and sporty cars were the Subaru Impreza WRX STi, Volkswagen R32, and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, in that ranking order. All three of those vehicles achieved overall scores that were also in the “Excellent” range, but lower than the 135i. The four top-rated vehicles ranged in price from $33,630 for the R32 to $38,078 for the “Evo.”

[Photo: AutoSpies]

The October test group also included four other cars, which are priced about $10,000 less and delivered impressive performance for the price. They included the Subaru Impreza WRX, Chevrolet Cobalt SS, Nissan Sentra SE-R, and Dodge Caliber SRT4. Prices for those models ranged from $23,310 for the SE-R to $25,169 for the WRX.

The issue also includes an “Auto Test Extra” report on the Volvo C30 hatchback, which is less sporty than the other eight models tested but is stylish and capable. It earned a “Very Good” overall score.

“The new 135i is quick, well balanced and a lot of fun to drive,” said David Champion, senior director of automotive testing for Consumer Reports. “The engine is smooth and powerful and returns relatively good fuel economy. Steering and brakes are excellent, and the cabin is well finished and quiet, with comfortable front seats.”

The only vehicle that Consumer Reports is Recommending from this month’s testing are the Subaru Impreza WRX and the more aggressive WRX STi, based on previous Subaru models’ reliability. The other tested vehicles are still too new for Consumer Reports to have reliability data on them. CR only recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR’s annual survey of its more than seven million print and web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.

BMW began selling the 135i in the U.S. this year, but the 1 Series has been sold elsewhere since 2004. In addition to having the quickest 0-to-60-mph acceleration time in this group, it also had the shortest braking distances on dry and wet surfaces, and the highest speed through CR’s avoidance maneuver, which measures at-the-limit handling. The 135i ($37,650 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price as tested) is powered by a 300-hp, 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine that delivers uninterrupted punch and pulls powerfully from idle to redline. Expect 23 mpg overall on premium fuel. The six-speed manual transmission shifts accurately and smoothly but is a bit notchy. The brakes are excellent.

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[Source: MarketWatch]