We review the BMW 1 Series (2007) from price to economy and all its features
1-SERIES is the car for people who always wanted a new BMW but in the past could only afford a used one
Brilliant performance … BMW 1 Series
BMW'S success has been built on offering a family of models of every car.
They realised early that it is the best way to maximise every model to its full potential, not to mention maximising the profit.
Now their entry level 1-Series is in the family way, with the five-door about to be joined by a sportier three-door version.
In typically thorough BMW fashion, they have waited until the 1-Series was successfully established and 350,000 sales since late-2004 have underlined that it is now part of BMWs range.
The 1-Series is the car for people who always wanted a new BMW but in the past could only afford a used one.
Despite the fact it is probably the least sexy car to wear the BMW badge, the mere fact it has the famous blue propeller makes the 1 desirable – and a price tag starting under £16,500 meant it was affordable.
And almost as important, despite the questionable styling, the 1-Series drove and handled like a proper BMW. But it was always going to be a limited success being only a five-door model and BMW accepted it would not appeal to singles or young couples with no kids.
This is where the three-door comes in. BMW say it is aimed specifically at those buyers wanting a slightly more sporting flavour who are happy to sacrifice the practicality of five doors and a small degree of extra space.
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Im not sure the three-door looks much sportier. Like the five-door, it still seems a bit ungainly for a BMW and lacks the smooth lines of the Audi A3, its biggest rival.
But there is nothing ungainly about the way it performs on the road.
It is one of the best-driving compact hatchbacks and, with the right engine, will outperform most rivals.
I tested the new Birmingham-built two-litre petrol engine and its a sweet motor, capable of 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds and a 138mph top speed. BMW have added technology to help the engines improved efficiency – a stop-start system cuts the engine when you stop and restarts when you press the clutch.
It helped to improve fuel economy from 28.5mpg to 31.3mpg driving in city traffic – reasonable rather than planet-saving – and lower than many diesels.
And the 1 drives sharply enough to show its part of the BMW Ultimate Driving Machine family, with steering that feels solid, responsive and precise.
The six-speed gearbox is quick but can be stiff in the lower ranges. You also now get a helpful arrow on the dash that indicates when you should change up for more economic driving. But anyone who enjoys being behind the wheel – most BMW drivers – will ignore it.
BMW have rectified one of the failings of the original 1 by giving the interior a serious makeover and stepping up the quality of the trim and fabrics, so it now has an executive finish that matches other BMWs.
You get the option of two single seats in the back or a bench seat for three. Although adults can fit in, the majority of buyers will carry rear passengers only on limited occasions.
Like all BMWs, the 1-Series is available with lots of hi-tech extras, from active steering to adaptive headlights, but they push the price of the car into the mid-£20,000s.
And talking prices, the three-door is £520 less than the equivalent five-door model.
The 1.8-litre petrol-engined 118i starts at £17,785. The 118 diesel costs from £18,205 while the flagship three-litre 130iM Sport LE sets you back a hefty £30,270.
These figures underline the fact that the 1-Series may be the affordable face of BMW but no one ever said the cars were cheap.
The 1-Series goes on sale in the UK in May alongside a face-lifted five-door.
There will be convertible and coupé versions by the end of the year, making the 1-Series family even bigger.
What to look out for when buying a used BMW 1-series (2004-)
Owners appear to be happy overall with their cars’ reliability - the 1-series has scored well in satisfaction surveys.
However the first-generation car was recalled three times for problems with the braking, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, as well as a fire risk with diesel models.