Drivers's Log.

GRITZINGER: This latest version of BMW's "entry'' model eschews some of the $9,000 worth of options that punched the price of our previously tested 135i to $45,000. This car proves that you could certainly live without the six-speed automatic transmission (a $1,275 option) and the M Sport steering wheel with paddle shifter ($1,100). The six-speed stick is the ticket for this car, allowing the driver to take full advantage of the engine's powerband, regardless of whether you're blasting off from a dead stop, carving a tight corner or motoring along in sixth and need a quick downshift to pass. Any scenario invokes a lightning-quick response from the 135i, with zero lag from either turbo or tranny action.

I never once felt deprived because it didn't have the $3,300 premium package with universal garage-door opener, digital compass mirror, power front seats with driver's-seat memory, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, BMW assist and lumbar support. If there's any negative, it's that you'd better buy a kidney belt if you live on a chuckholed back road. Oh, and the car could do with a sun-visor extender. In other words, regardless of the level of comfort and convenience features, the underlying car offers the kind of performance that makes you forget about accouterments. That used to be what buying a BMW was all about. Maybe the 1 Series will be the car that gets BMW and its fans back to that happy place.

MORRISON: I don't look at this as an entry-level car in any way, shape or form. It isn't priced like one or built like one, and it certainly does not perform like one.

I'm willing to bet that if the 1 Series' body was more "exotic'' (think Z4 coupe) in appearance, and if the thing had only two seats, we would look at it as a true performance sports car, and no one would be groaning about the cost, because we've come to ...