BMW would like you to be a part of its prestigious family. The appropriately badged 1 series is an all new model aimed largely at buyers who until now, thought the brand outside their reach.Opinion seems divided on the newcomer’s style. Sharing design cues with the sporty Z4 roadster, the long bonnet, low roofline and heavily sculpted body details are definite attention grabbers. Its rear-wheel-drive chassis stays loyal to BMW’s design philosophy and also makes it the odd one out amongst sporting hatchbacks.
OWNERSHIP
Buying & owning
The 1 Series has the same high residual values as other premium small hatches retaining about 60% of its list price after three years. However it is still expensive to buy. Running costs are respectable, particularly for the frugal 2.0-litre diesel, which averages 50.4mpg. The petrol engines have respectable economy figures, averaging 37.7mpg (116i) and 38.1mpg (120i).
Quality & reliability
The fixtures are constructed from rather cheap-looking plastics and the cabin can’t match the quality feel of rivals such as the Audi A3. In the boot, flimsy carpeting and brittle plastics are much in evidence. However, there’s still reason to have every confidence in the car’s long-term reliability.
Safety & security
Six airbags, anti-lock brakes and dynamic stability control are standard on every 1 Series model. Deadlocks are in place to keep thieves at bay, while a visible VIN helps make the car more easily traceable should it be stolen.
Standard features
Standard equipment for the 120i includes: power windows, dual climate control, cruise control, trip computer, sports seats, 17” alloy wheels, CD player, i-Pod compatibility, rain sensing wipers and auto on headlights. It’s easy to personalise the car by ticking boxes on BMW’s extensive options list, but the price is affected accordingly. Fitted with metallic paint, sunroof, leather upholstery, sports suspension plus some other niceties our 120i was quickly above $50,000.
ON THE ROAD
Performance
Buyers are able to choose from a 115bhp 1.6-litre petrol, 129- or 150bhp 2.0 petrols, a 122bhp 2.0-litre diesel, and a 163bhp 2.0 turbodiesel. The 1.6 feels underpowered while the 2.0 petrol is smooth, although the more powerful turbodiesel’s 250lb ft of pull gives it extra mid-range flexibility. A new 130i 3.0-litre engine delivers 265bhp.
Although it may not offer “kick in the back” acceleration, the 120i doesn’t disgrace itself. Utilizing “Valvetronic” variable valve timing the flexible and smooth 2.0 litre gives a solid performance. For overtaking or running along your favourite piece of country road keeping the revs around 3000rpm gives the best acceleration.
The six-speed manual’s tall gearing means most suburban journeys would rarely go above fourth or fifth gear. On the freeway in sixth there is still enough available torque to maintain pace up steeper hills.
Ride & handling
The all-new platform has sophisticated rear suspension that helps to give the BMW 1 Series a poise and balance few small family car rivals can match. There is limpet-like grip from the rear wheels, smooth body control and sharp steering.
Refinement
BMW has worked hard at upping its engines’ refinement levels and the latest 2.0-litre turbodiesel is not only significantly smoother and quieter than those of Volkswagen Group rivals, it also outshines the four-cylinder unit that’s currently found in the more expensive 3 Series. Wind and road noise is well contained, too.
IN THE CABIN
Behind the wheel
There’s plenty of head- and legroom in the cabin’s front, and even the lankiest driver will have no problem finding a perfect driving position thanks to a multi-adjustable seat and a steering wheel that moves for rake and reach. The small rear screen and thick screen pillars mean over-the-shoulder visibility is poor, however.
Space & practicality
Space for legs and heads in the rear falls well short of that in the VW Golf, while access to the back is awkward because of the high sill. The suspension intrudes into the boot, too, although the rear seat backs split 60/40 and fold flat on to the fixed rear bench to extend the space.
Equipment
Base models come with electric front windows, CD player and trip computer, but that’s about it. You’ll need to specify SE trim to add climate control, alloy wheels, a multi-function steering wheel and parking distance sensors. Trading up to Sport spec adds bespoke alloy wheels, sports seats and sports suspension. M Sport trim includes a sporty bodykit, bespoke 17- or 18in alloy wheels and uprated suspension.