As smaller cars become increasingly popular compared to their larger counterparts thanks to their efficiency and economies, car manufacturers have become increasingly aware of their impact on the environment, and are adapting accordingly.

 

The 135i Coupe has a combined fuel consumption rate of 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres (11.7 in the city, 6.7 on the highway) [1]. This rate is helped in particular by the aerodynamic efficiency of the car, designed to create less drag. 

 

BMW Efficient Dynamics has features that are designed to help reduce fuel consumption while boosting performance at the same time. Examples of these include Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start Stop Function which temporarily switches the engine off when the car is stationary in order to save fuel, and a Shift Point Display that displays the most efficient gear for the car to use in any situation. The car also claims to have a rate of 198g per kilometre of CO2 emissions [2].

 

The range topping Coupe is one of two 135i variants, the other being the Convertible. Both cars are powered by the 3.0 litre 6 cylinder engine, which gives a maximum of 225kW and torque of 400N-m^2 [3] Also equipped with the standard six speed manual transmission or an optional seven speed double clutch transmission, the car can reach a top speed of 250kmh, and is able to reach 100kmh in 5.3 seconds [4].

 

Driving aids include Dynamic Stability Control, which helps the driver maintain control of the vehicle in tricky situations or adverse conditions, while integrated Traction Modus (DTC) gives the car extra forward thrust.

 

The car also contains a number of entertainment features, including internet connectivity, a USB audio interface that is compatible with iPods and MP3 players, and a Bluetooth connection that enables music to be played from a phone or MP3 player without any wires.

 

When buying a car people often take into account car insurance.  There are many factors that can affect car insurance, including both car and driver.

 

The safety record of the driver and value of the car may both be considerations.  Drivers who are known to have made claims previously or have a history of accidents may find that insurance companies consider them to be higher risk because of the likelihood of another claim being made.

 

Additional variables that may also have an impact include the age and gender of the driver. Insurance companies may consider males in their teens and early twenties to be higher risk than a woman for example, as they may be more likely to be involved in a claim. Another group an insurance company might find high risk is car owners living in areas of high claims.

 

Given that most insurance companies now do a substantial amount of their business online, most of them have websites that enable customers to find a car insurance quote.