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

The 118i convertible is a rear-wheel drive automatic, with a 4-cylinder, 16-valve engine. It has a combined mpg of 40.9 and can reach 62 mph in 10.1s. This 6-speed unleaded-petrol car can hit a top speed of 129 mph which is fast enough to be on par with the Audi TT and Mazda MX-5. The 1995cc engine produces an impressive 143bhp at 6000 rpm and has a torque of 140 lb-ft at 4250 rpm.

The 1 Series convertible delivers a solid and comfortable ride. The well-calibrated suspension goes a long way to ensuring that bumps and road imperfections are seldom felt inside the cabin. The ride is a smooth and comfortable one and the steering is light and precise. In spite of its fabric roof, suspension and road noise are minimal. The engine is quiet and smooth but wind noise is to be expected at higher speeds. Visibility is slightly impaired due to the small rear window when the roof is up.

Critics seem to like the 1-Series convertible 118i. Its build is of a high quality and its engine is powerful and smooth. The current 118i is an improved version of the 1st generation 1-Series convertible. It has an interior that is well-appointed and a dash that is well-laid out with intuitive controls and buttons. Some of the plastic parts are not too attractive but the overall ambiance of the cabin is classy. The driving position is excellent and even the most pernickety driver is able to get comfortable due to the flexible seating and steering wheel adjustment. It’s a 4-seater but the rear passengers might not be too happy sitting at the back during long trips, as they will find they have very little legroom.

The ES is the entry-level 1-Series Convertible. The standard equipment supplied with the ES includes alloy wheels, air-conditioning, automatic wipers and headlights and electric windows. Upgrades are available, such as leather seats for an additional £1,115 and cruise control for £220. Rear parking sensors are priced at £350.

The 1-Series Convertible 118i ES has not been tested by the Euro NCAP, however it includes much of the same safety equipment which is standard in other five-star-scoring BMWs.

Space is not a problem up front. However the rear seats do not have enough legroom for a comfortable ride over long distances. Even short rides make for a cramped and uncomfortable trip for rear passengers. The fabric roof folds down in less than 25 seconds and when stowed leaves a decent boot space of 370 litres which is big enough for weekend-get-away luggage.

As with all BMWs, the 1 Series 118i convertible has the latest electronic braking aid and stability control systems as standard. The front and side airbags are very effective in minimising the impact of a crash, and in case the car rolls, there are metal bars that pop up from the back of the seat for passenger protection. BMW is known for its high quality security kits, although the fabric roof makes the model more susceptible to thieves.

The 1-Series Convertible 118i ES is currently priced at £25,745. This is quite steep compared to its Audi and Mazda counterparts. However the technology employed by BMW’s engineers ensures low emissions and high miles per gallon. With an mpg of 40.9 and CO2 emissions of 162g/Km this car is fairly cost-effective and eco-friendly to run. However, the 120d makes more sense financially as it has a higher mpg and lower CO2 emissions.

This model falls under group insurance 24 and Road Tax Band G. For an entry-level convertible, this car is not as cheap as rival brands. Several others are priced for a few thousand pounds less, however the resale value of a BMW is high. Warranty is of 3 years with unlimited mileage.