BMW 1 Series Convertible 118i ES 2dr Car Review - February 2012

The 143bhp engine delivers 140lb-ft of torque at 4250rpm, reaching 62 mph in 9.3 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph. These credentials are more than sufficient for a car of this class and combine with good handling to offer a comfortable and enjoyable drive. However, despite this, the 118i ES is not a sports car and enthusiastic drivers may be disappointed by the car's performance.

The 118i ES convertible is balanced and poised on the road and the 6 speed manual 'box is lovely and crisp.

Unfortunately, the suspension is too firm and uncomposed on uneven road surfaces. The engine runs smoothly and quietly however and despite the stiffness the suspension noises are well suppressed. Road noise is minimal but wind noise can be disruptive at motorway speeds.

The 118i ES converible's interior does not offer the elegance of more expensive models but is smartly and stylishly designed. The dashboard is a paragon of common sense, with all the controls falling easily and swiftly to hand.

In terms of standard equipment, the ES comes with some great features such as alloy wheels, air conditioning, MP3 connectivity and an advanced stereo system.

Those wanting to upgrade the model can invest in optional extras for an additional cost. Leather seats are priced at £1,115, with climate control costing £400, rear parking sensors £350 and Bluetooth connectivity £400.

There is no option for satellite navigation which is a disappointment, and the iDrive control system, whilst effective, does take some getting used to.

The 118i ES convertible has a great driving position with a lot of adjustment available. BMW have improved the space in the boot and rear seats by elongating the body of the car following much criticism of previous versions, however room is still restricted and this is a real problem. The rear seats in particular are cramped and the boot space, whilst improved, is still pretty limited.

Safety levels are fairly high with driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags all fitted as standard, with traction control and dynamic stability control also featuring for accident reduction. An alarm, immobiliser, remote central locking and deadlocks are all fitted to protect the car from theft.

BMW’s 'Efficient Dynamics' technology utilises braking, electric power steering and an automatic stop-start function to reduce wasted energy and this makes the car highly efficient. On top of this, the 1 Series is well crafted, offering strong build quality which delivers long-term reliability. A three year warranty for unlimited miles is offered for additional reassurance and the car also rated well in the 2011 JD Power survey for customer satisfaction.

The 1 Series ES convertible comes with a fairly attractive price tag for an open-top BMW. Running costs are much lower than average due to the 'Efficient Dynamics' technology and the efficient engine which delivers fuel economy of 43.5 mpg. CO2 emissions are reasonable at 152g/km, placing the car into a mid-range tax band (G).

Although the price and running costs sound good, the performance, equipment and lack of space might disappoint and the Sport version of the 118i offers much more equipment for a similar price.

Overall, the 118i ES convertible is a good investment as the cars tend to hold their value well and this means that those prepared to make sacrifices on interior comfort and space could stand to benefit.