BMW 1 Series 118d Sport Auto 3dr Pre-Model Car Review - February 2012

The 118d's 143 bhp petrol engine propels the car from 0-62 mph in an impressive 9.0 seconds and on to a top speed of 130 mph.

The car also handles well, with responsive steering and good balance on the road making for a highly rewarding driving experience. The only slight disadvantage is that, as a sports model, this car has stiffer suspension and some drivers may find this a little uncomfortable. The diesel engine also makes the car quite heavy and this compromises the Beemer's handling, although only very slightly.

Despite the sportier credentials, the interior of this model still fails to match up to BMW's normally high standards.

In-car equipment levels are fairly good however and, alongside the improved suspension and brakes, the Sport model comes with alloy wheels, air conditioning, a stereo system with MP3 connectivity and numerous other basic features fitted as standard.

Optional extras of leather seats, climate control, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth connectivity and built-in satellite navigation are also available costing £1,010, £400, £350, £250 and £1,660 respectively.

Following criticism levelled at the previous generation 1 Series, the new car offers improved levels of interior space. However, the rear legroom is still tight and, at 330-litres, the boot is hardly cavernous.

BMW have an enviable reputation for reliability and the 1 Series feels well built. Consumers looking for further assurances need only to look at the results of the 2011 JD Power survey where the series performed well for customer satisfaction.

The car also performs well when it comes to safety. Driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags are all fitted as standard, with traction and dynamic stability control also fitted. An alarm, immobiliser, remote central locking and deadlocks are also added to protect the car from theft.

The 1 Series is a fairly pricey hatchback at £21,905 but running costs are much lower than average due to the ‘Efficient Dynamics’ technology and this means low running costs could offset the high purchase price over time. Fuel economy is decent at 53.3mpg on the combined cycle whilst CO2 emissions of 140g/km put this model firmly under a low road tax band: E.

Overall the high purchase price is a little unjustified considering the car's practicality and performance credentials. The restricted rear seating is also likely to be a deterrent and those willing to consider other manufacturers may find a more practical model for a more reasonable cost.