BMW 1 Series Car Reviews

The BMW 1 Series is a line of medium sized family cars available in four different body styles. There is a 3-door and 5-door hatchback, a coupe and a convertible to choose from. In addition to this there are a number of trim levels depending on the extras, engine size etc. that is required.

Price Range: £-1 - £-1
Insurance Groups: N/A - N/A
MPG Range: N/A - N/A
Score: 4.5/5
Decent fuel economy
Good residual values
Brilliant engines
Lacks space in rear
A little pricey
Ride is a bit firm

Latest BMW 1 Series Car Reviews:

BMW 1 Series 116i ES 3dr Pre-Model - February 2012
This 1 series 116i ES 3-door hatch is a great starting point as a BMW owner. Offering plenty of driving enjoyment and with a superb driving position - this car is great fun to drive. It offers a ta...
BMW 1 Series 116i SE Auto 3dr Pre-Model - February 2012
The 116i SE Auto is pricey but offers good driveability and controlled handling. The fuel economy and low CO2 emissions also make it an inexpensive car to run and the BMW badge endows the car with ...
BMW 1 Series 118i SE 3dr Pre-Model - February 2012
With inexpensive running costs thanks to decent fuel efficiency and low carbon emissions, the BMW 1 series 118i SE is an ideal car for those who can get past its high price tag. This model is more ...
BMW 1 Series 116d ES 3dr Pre-Model - February 2012
The 116d is the cheapest diesel option in the 1 Series range with very low running costs, but if performance is important to you then it may offer a false economy. The engine may lack power but sti...
BMW 1 Series 118d ES 3dr - February 2012
The second generation BMW hatchback is a great improvement from its predecessor in terms of its profile and looks. The engine is more powerful yet economical. It’s a comfortable ride and quite eng...

BMW 1 Series Overview

Now in its second generation the 1 Series offers a sportier family option than many other cars on the market at this size. The rear-wheel drive and excellent body control make the handling of this car superior to many of its competitors.


There is little road noise whilst driving the 1 Series and the engines are kept relatively quiet, although the diesels are obviously louder than the petrol options. In addition to this, the quality finish, as we have come to expect from BMW, makes the interior of the 1 Series a pleasant environment to be in.


Unfortunately the space in the rear is not up to the standard of other cars in its class, such as the VW Golf. The sloping roof restricts headspace, and there is little legroom for larger passengers. The boot space is modest; however the folding rear seats can extend the space available.

Background

The 1 Series was first introduced as a replacement to the 3 Series Compact in 2004, and offered the smallest, most affordable car in the BMW range. It shares many features with the BMW 3 Series, but provides a point of entry into the BMW range, as the 3 Series becomes an increasingly premium car.


Originally it was launched solely as a 5-door hatchback, but in 2007 a three-door hatchback also came onto the market. Following the 3-door model, the coupe and convertibles were released in the same year. The 1 Series Coupe is slightly longer than the hatchback, giving it additional boot space. The introduction of these new body styles gave the 1 Series a facelift, as well as introducing more efficient engines to the range.


There is now a second generation of the five-door hatchback, released in 2011. The 116i and 118i feature a brand new inline-four petrol engine, which produce 136bhp and 170bhp from the 1.6 litre engine respectively.


There has also been an M version of the 1 Series introduced, the 1 Series M Coupe. It has an M-tuned twin turbocharged 3.0 litre inline six-cylinder engine, producing 335bhp. It features a body kit, to distinguish it from the standard 1 Series Coupe, in addition to being a bigger car overall in an attempt to give it more track presence.

Summary

The 1 Series is a good sporty family car, which features all the characteristics and high quality we have come to expect from BMW. It has become popular since its introduction in 2004 and represents the most affordable of the BMW range. It is also one of the safest models on the market, receiving the 5 star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2011.

BMW 1 Series Car Overview - by 
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