BMW 1 Series Road Test

BMW 1 series

Build Quality

As you would expect of BMW the build quality is excellent and there were no intrusive rattles to contend with. The materials used are of a very high standard and should prove durable in the long term.

Value For Money

The BMW 1 Series is competitively priced within the premium segment which includes Audi & Volkswagen.

The BMW 1 Series is offered with a Service Inclusive package. For only £500 cost of ownership is significantly reduced with all major maintenance and repairs for five years or 60,000 miles covered by the package that is transferable to a new owner should the car be sold within that time frame. Not only is this good value, but it is fantastic news when you come to resell your 1 Series in 3 years time, it will work wonders for future values.

We will mention the cost of the optional extras on our test car - the 180 Star Spoke 18” wheels were an additional £1895 (ouch) and the Aero Body Kit an extra £895 + fitting, plus £1020 for the Boston Leather. The combined price for all the options is an extra £5035 or roughly an extra 25% on the £21,260 on the road price. We loved the wheels and the body kit was interesting, but we would worry about the residual value of these extras in a few years time, undoubtedly they will make the car more desirable and therefore more saleable, but more valuable? - we are not so sure.

Overall Opinion

The question we asked ourselves when summing up this review was whether the BMW 1 Series is the best hatchback money can buy? The answer in our opinion is yes.

BMW have engineered enthusiasm into the 1 Series - the performance and fuel economy are superb, the handling is spot on and it has been awarded a five star Euro NCAP rating.

BMW's reputation as a prestige manufacturer is justified and driving the 1 Series makes you feel special - we were sorry to see it go.

It also raises the question: why would you want a petrol car when you can have the economy of a diesel combined with the performance of petrol car?

BMW 1-Series