BMW 1 Series Review

BMW 1-Series Review

The BMW 1 Series was launched in September 2004 with the brand slogan 'the only 1'.

The much anticipated BMW 1 Series Sport Hatch sets new standards for compact hatchbacks and offers drivers the unique proposition of a front-engine, rear-wheel drive car with the practical day-to-day benefits of a compact hatchback.

Undoubtedly BMW knows their target audience and the 1 Series is targeted at the well educated, young to late 20's - early 40's, who work hard but not too hard and love driving. Paradoxically everyone we have seen driving a 1 Series looks like they are affluently retired, but then we do live near to Budleigh Salterton in Devon.

The BMW 1 Series is a blend of prestige and performance at a reasonably affordable entry price. The split between corporate buyers and private individuals should be circa 45:50.

The 1 Series comes with five doors, four engines (1.6 and 2.0 petrol engines and a 2.0 diesel engine with 122 bhp or 163 bhp) and three trim levels ES, SE and Sport. Prices range from £15,995 for the 116i to £21,360 for the 120d SE.

BMW's aim is to bring the 'Ultimate Driving Machine' to the the competitive lower medium segment which includes the Audi A3, Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf - attracting a whole new group of buyers to the BMW brand.

We tested the range topping BMW 120d Sport to find out if it is 'the only 1' for us.

BMW 1-Series