Insurance Group: 21
MPG: 62.8
CO2: 119
0-62 Mph: 8.9 secs
BHP: 143 BHP
Range: 705 miles
PROS: The BMW 1 Series 118d ES is an affordable entry level car. It is an engaging drive mainly due to its sharp handling and superb steering. It is quite a smooth ride, more so on winding roads. Its diesel engine is powerful, frugal and refined and the 1 series is probably one of the best cars in its class.
CONS: The list price of the BMW 1 Series is quite affordable but rivals are less expensive. Some of the materials used in the cabin are made of cheap plastics. Aside from the front seats, the rest of the interior is cramped for both passengers and luggage. Rear visibility is limited but the rear parking sensor helps.
The general consensus of car critics is that the BMW 1 Series’ 1995cc, 4-cylinder, 16-valve engine is powerful and economical. This is a medium-sized rear-drive family car fitted with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The engine develops 143bhp at 4000 rpm and 221 lb-ft of torque at 1750-2500 rpm. It reaches 62 mph in 8.9s and hits a top speed of 130mph. The combined mpg is 62.8 which is indicative of a car good enough for town and out of town driving.
The BMW 1 Series 118d ES has strong grip and feels solid and balanced when cutting bends. However the ride can be a bit choppy over bumps. It’s a different story on country roads when this car rides excellently. There is no body roll as it grips the road. The diesel engine is not as refined as the petrol engine but the suspension and road noise are not intrusive. Rear visibility is restricted due to the small rear window.
The front view of the 1 Series’ newest edition is typical BMW, akin to the 6 Series. The profile suggests unleashed power as the car seems crouched on its rear-wheels ready to spring forth at the lightest push of the pedal.
The BMW 1 Series is a 3-door hatchback that could theoretically seat 5 passengers in full comfort. The front seats are spacious but the rear seats are not. Tall adults would have issues regarding the back seats but small children (and small adults) won’t. The dashboard is simply laid out with the instruments positioned intuitively and efficiently. The cabin is smart and has a high build quality. However some of the materials used (as in the glovebox door and sun visors) are flimsy and not up to par with BMW standards. An Audi A3’s interior is more stylish and lavish.
The 118d ES model has the standard basics such as alloy wheels, air-conditioning, electric windows, MP3/iPod connectivity, split/fold seats and other safety and security kits. Available options are satellite tracking, rear parking sensor, rain sensing wipers and climate control to name a few.
The 1 Series is designed with safety as one of the prime considerations. It is fitted with Dynamic Traction Control, ABS, stability control, Dynamic Brake Control and even a Cornering Brake Control. It has airbags for driver, passengers and side airbags and belt pre-tensioner and Isofix seat mounting points for children. 'Run-flat tires' come as standard. Security features such as immobilizer, deadlocks, remote and central locking and visible VIN number are available.
The BMW 1 Series has a perfect 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. Its boot capacity of 300 litres is expandable to 1150 sans back passengers. It has a CO2 emission rating of 119g/Km. This number is an indication that the 1 Series is energy efficient. BMW’s track record with the 1 Series is impeccable. Warranty is 3 years, unlimited mileage.
The hatchback 118d ES 3dr at £20,415 is one of the cheapest in the BMW 1 Series versions. It falls under group insurance 21 and Road Tax Band C. With a combined mpg of 62.8, the car's running cost should be reasonable.
It is true that the BMW logo speaks tons in terms of quality and reliability and this entry-level hatchback is not exception. The 1 Series faces a lot of rivals. For a few thousand less, a more stylish and classy Audi A3 or a more practical VW Golf could be bought. However, a BMW is still a BMW and the 118d is a good choice as it’s fast, frugal and not too expensive.
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You might want to read reviews for other Medium Family cars that you can then compare to the BMW 1 Series. Here are some popular BMW 1 Series alternatives:
