Category: Small Family 
Price Range: £16,415 to £25,800
Fantastically good to drive, fuel efficient, distinctive looks, five-star NCAP crash test score
Rear-drive layout means less space inside, more expensive than class rivals
In a class that tends toward the worthy and dull, here is a feelgood car with a real difference
Perfect 50/50 weight distribution with rear-wheel drive, combined with a long wheelbase and short overhangs make this is a genuinely entertaining car to drive. And, with the stability control program switched off, you can slide the back end of the car around on damp surfaces.
The steering is sweet, too, with just the right amount of weighting as you turn into corners, as well as feedback that inspires confidence as speeds rise. The driving environment is also more sporting, with a low seating position, a console angled toward the driver and a reach- and rake-adjustable steering wheel.
The 1-Series comes equipped with a choice of six engines. The petrol range is made up of 116i (not available as a three-door), 118i, 120i and straight-six 130i units. The two diesels are different versions of the two-litre common-rail engine: the 118d and 120d.
Both the 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines are keen-revving and, when paired with the standard-fit six-speed manual 'box, progress is reasonably swift. However, the more relaxed 174bhp 120d turbodiesel acquits itself best, with superior outright performance to the petrol.
The new generation of engines introduced in the 2007 update introduced power upgrades plus improvements in fuel efficiency of 15-20%.
Latest Readers' Drives About the BMW 1 Series
wrote on 10 10 2007
wrote on 23 02 2007
wrote on 20 06 2006