Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 85%

The 1 Series Convertible makes up BMW’s entry-level range alongside the Coupe and standard hatch.

Launched in 2008, the Convertible goes up against the likes of the Audi A3 Cabriolet, Audi TT and Alfa Spider.

Unlike its rivals the Beemer is rear-wheel drive – offering a little more kudos for those seeking a traditional sports car-orientated feel. 

Looks | Looks Inside | Practicality | Ride and Handling | Performance
Running Costs | Reliability | Safety | Equipment | X-Factor

1. Looks
 
While the standard 1 Series is fairly bland looking the Coupe isn’t with its sleek and aggressive lines. The Convertible takes this on further. Roof up it looks like the Coupe, remove the roof and it looks even better. Our M Sport model had a set of 17-inch alloys wheels.

Current BMWs always provoke strong reaction but with the 1 Series Convertible we think they’ve built the best looking current Beemer.

9/10

2. Looks inside
 
BMW traditionally keep things quite neutral with interiors and the 1 Series Convertible is no different.  The front of the cabin consists of dark plastics with a nice feel while the door trim on our model was part black, part cream.

The cream leather seats were £970 option and provided plenty of support for a car with such a firm ride. Overall the 1 Series is a very classy place to sit.

8/10

3. Practicality
 
For a convertible the 1 Series is very impressive. It’s only a four-seat car but it will seat four adults fairly comfortably in the sculpted seats. With the roof up all-round vision isn’t the best with the rear three quarters of the roof a hindrance.

The fabric roof opens or closes in a smooth motion in just 22 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph. With the roof up the boot has a capacity of 305-litres which reduces to 260-litres when it becomes a convertible.

One annoyance was that something previously in the boot had moved the pocket which the roofs folds into very slightly. This meant the roof wouldn’t open and it didn’t explain why. This was infuriating and it took a while to figure out such a small problem.

8/10

4. Ride and Handling
 
BMWs have a notoriously firm ride and the model we tested, thanks to the M Sport suspension was no different. On smooth roads the 1 Series is brilliant but go over a speed bump and you feel it. When it comes to corners it’s fantastic for a convertible with near non-existent bodyroll and no scuttle shake when the roof is down.

Steering is sharp and poised with plenty of feel. Plus it’s a rear-wheel drive model so if you turn the traction control off you can get a bit of tail-out action, but only in safe surroundings.

9/10

5. Performance
 
The model we tested had a 2-litre diesel engine which develops 204bhp and 295lb/ft of pulling power. And wow, this is a fantastic engine which helps accelerate the Convertible from 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 143mph. There is so much torque that the 1 Series is effortless at overtaking. The six-speed gearbox is slick and the clutch well weighted.

However, at low speeds it does still give a whiff of a tractor sound.

There really is something for everyone here with engines ranging from a 1.8-litre petrol which will accelerate from 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds and hit 130mph and the range-topping 135i M Sport. The latter, courtesy of a 302bhp engine will accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 155mph.

10/10

6. Running Costs
 
Considering the 123d’s power and performance you could be forgiven for thinking it will be quite thirsty but BMW claims it will average a fantastic 52.3mpg. However, due to the conditions manufacturers use to get these figures you’ll find it near impossible to come close.

After 500-plus miles, mainly on A-roads, we were averaging 41.5mpg. Carbon dioxide emissions of 144g/km are very impressive meaning an annual road tax bill of £125.

With exception to the 125i and 135i, the range offers affordable motoring with BMW claiming the models average between 44.8mpg (118i) and 57.6mpg (118d). The 125i averages 34.9mpg with the thirstier 135i claiming 30.1mpg but considering their performance it’s not that bad.

Insurance groups of 13 to 18 may mean high premiums depending on your age and location.

8/10

7. Reliability
 
The 1 Series Convertible is a superbly built car with a range of award-winning engines so there should be few concerns here. 

9/10

8. Safety
 
The 1 Series Convertible hasn’t be EuroNCAP crash tested but BMW has a good reputation for safety and has fitted it with six airbags, stability control and traction control. In the event of the car rolling, metal bars will pop up from behind the back seats to provide protection. 

8/10

9. Equipment
 
Standard equipment includes CD player with steering wheel controls, electric windows, on-board trip computer, air-conditioning and alarm and immobiliser. All leather seats (a £970 option) feature SunReflective technology which keeps the surface temperature up to 20 degrees centigrade lower than a normally upholstered seat. As usual you can spec until your hearts content with optional extras including cruise control (£180), xenon headlights (£620), heated front seats (£245).

7/10

10. X-Factor
 
The BMW 1 Series Convertible is a well proportioned, excellent handling car with a whole range of brilliant engines coupled with that aspirational badge on the bonnet. These factors all help contribute to a great hair-in-the-air experience.

9/10