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BMW 1-Series

Pros

• Good strong engine performance
  
• Surprisingly good fuel economy
  
• Nice spacious cabin considering the compact frame

Cons

• Boring handling spoils the sporty aesthetics
  
• Expensive when compared to the competition
  
• Cabin quality could be better, considering price

Description

The BMW 1-Series is the follow up to the compact series of cars. First released in 2004, it is now on the second generation. It's earliest incarnation gathered good reviews though the handling was criticised for being dull, does the second generation improve upon the situation?

Second Generation (2011 - present):

A slight reworking of the external styling sees the latest incarnation of the 1-Series looking smoother and less aggressive. The front face reminds you instantly of the Z4 with opinion split over whether the new retro grille is a step in the right direction for BMW. In terms of the basics the second generation is once again available in two formats, the F21 3-door variant alongside the F20 5-door chassis. Normally the 3-door option would be the instant pick for a compact coupe but the 1-series is surprisingly roomy in the back and that could indeed justify choosing the 5-door option.

As one expects from BMW, the engine lineup is simple but effective. The longitudinally mounted engines sit very well within the chassis offering a nice balance to the handling as well as being highly developed powerplants. The selection is the usual BMW fare, with 3 of the common rail diesels and 3 petrol options to choose from. The diesels are the well known 1.6-litre, 1.8-litre and 2.0-liter powerplants found in other BMW models. All are fine selections, but the 1.8-litre offers the finest blend of performance and economy, boasting 143BHP. Petrol options begin with two differing 1.6-litre engines named the 118i and 116i, the 188i boasts 167 BHP and a lot of torque, a good choice for anyone wanting to make the 1-series more exciting. The 2.0-litre turbocharged 125i is blisteringly quick but does run up quite a large fuel bill! For those who seek the top of the range there is the M135i, a highly tuned version of the 1-series that has won numerous awards for its extreme performance and top handling.

Whilst straight line performance is good across the range, the handling is still, unfortunately, dull. The BMW will do everything you ask it to with very little fuss, but it seems to lack the dynamic and exciting feedback you associate with the German manufacturer. The ride is a little on the soft side, but it's perfectly comfortable as a long distance driver with noise wind low. Though large and comfortable the cabin is not the quality you may expect for the price, Audi seem to be beating BMW these days when it comes to the precision of interiors.

Conclusion

Overall, the 1-series is a good car. Great engines, comfortable cruising, reliability, smooth looks, plenty of toys. Yet, the lack of excitement in standard models has seen a lack of enthusiasm. Ironically the most competition to the 1-Series has come from the other quirky Mini Cooper-Series, the BMW i3 and from the bigger brother, the BMW 3-Series. Indeed, the 3-series is so good at the moment that many are simply spending a little more to take that instead. As for other manufacturers, the Audi A3 and Volvo Sportback are the only other compact coupes that offer better quality. The Audi in particular offers very stiff competition.