The 1 Series was BMW’s first foray into the scarily competitive hatchback market and went up against the likes of the VW Golf and Ford Focus, but at a premium.

However, the 1 Series had two aces up its sleeve – the all-important BMW badge and the fact it’s the only rear-wheel drive model in market, something which would appeal to those looking for a car with sportier handling.

We took a BMW 118d on loan for a week to see how it stacks up.

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

1. Looks

Design-wise, BMWs aren’t everyone’s cup of tea but the 1 Series is a bit more sober looking, while still adopting the unmistakeable face of the Munich car maker’s range. Along the side run sleek lines while the rear is all very plain-looking. Our ES model had a set of 16-inch alloys but entry-level models get steel wheels which is a bit disappointing for a car with a premium badge. Customers who opt for the M Sport trim get 17-inch alloys and lots of M badging, giving the 1 Series an edgier look.

7/10

2. Looks inside

As with the exterior, the BMW 1 Series interior is plain, but classy looking. It’s full of dark plastics with a quality feel. BMW has played it very safe here so if you’re looking for a car with a more interesting interior, have a look at the Honda Civic.

8/10

3. Practicality

A good hatchback needs to be compact in overall size but spacious at the same time. Up front there’s plenty of space for driver and passenger but if the driver is tall then those in the back may suffer as it’s a bit cramped. The boot’s capacity is 330-litres which is 20-litres less than the Audi A3 and new VW Golf and nearly 70-litres less than the Ford Focus.

7/10

4. Ride and Handling
 
It’s the ride and handling where the 1 Series really needs to score well to offset the interior space penalty of rear-wheel drive. As with all BMWs, the 1 Series has a perfect 50:50 weight distribution with the rear wheels driving and the front wheels steering. And it handles excellently, right on a par with the Focus and Golf. It’s debateable whether the 1 Series really needs rear-wheel drive for the smaller engines but when you get upwards of 200bhp like with the 123d and 130i it makes sense.

The ride is firm but it’s not uncomfortable and there is very little roll through the corners with the steering poised and precise. Those who pay extra for the M Sport trim get a stiffer suspension and larger wheels which make the ride firmer again.

9/10

5. Performance

We test drove the 1.8-litre diesel engine which develops an impressive 143bhp and 221lb/ft of pulling power and sits just above the 1.6-litre diesel which goes on sale in March 2009. Accelerating from 0-62mph takes the 1.8-litre model 8.9 seconds with the car capable of 130mph. It’s easily on a par with a petrol equivalent and thanks to the torque there’s loads of mid-range pull. Also in the range is the phenomenal 2-litre 123d which will accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds and hit 148mph while averaging a claimed 54.3mpg making it one of the best all-round performers ever built.

The petrol models on offer range from a 1.6-litre model which boast numbers of 10.1 seconds and 127mph to the 130i hot hatch which manages 6 seconds and 155mph.

10/10

6. Running Costs

BMW applies its EfficientDynamics to all models now so the 1 Series gets auto stop-start so the engine effectively shuts down when stationary while high precision fuel injection results in impressive claimed fuel economy. The 118d we tested boasts a claimed average fuel consumption of 62.9mpg but after test-driving it for a week on London roads and the motorway we were just under 45mpg. The fuel economy for the range goes from 64.2mpg for the 116d to 54.3mpg for the 123d. The 116d and 118d cost just £35 to tax while the 120d and 123d are both £120.

The petrol models are thirstier but still respectable – with the 116i, 118i and 130i averaging 48.7mpg, 47.9mpg and 34mpg respectively.

Insurance groups for the 1 Series range from 10 – 17 meaning premiums won’t be the cheapest.

9/10

7. Reliability

BMWs are generally rock-solid and there have been no horror stories to report since it went on sale in 2004. BMW has been cleaning up on the awards when it comes to engines recently while everything fell sturdy and well built.

10/10

8. Safety

All models come with six airbags and run-flat tyres which have a puncture warning system. In the EuroNCAP crash test programme, the 1 Series was awarded the full five stars for adult occupancy and three out of four stars for child occupancy. While good, it falls slightly short of rivals such as the Golf, Focus and Renault Megane.

The 1 Series also gets BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) which consists of anti-lock brakes, cornering brake control, traction control and electronic brake distribution.

9/10

9. Equipment

BMWs are never the best equipped cars and the 1 Series is no different. On top of the safety features the entry-level 1 Series gets just electric windows, central locking and a CD player. Upgrade to ES trim and the 1 gains air-conditioning with SE adding two-zone air-con, parking sensors and a steering wheel with controls. The 123d SE has a few sportier exterior bits while M Sport models get a slightly different bodykit and uprated wheels. While standard equipment is poor, as with all Beemers, there’s no shortage of expensive option extras.

6/10

10. X-Factor

It’s a hatchback, it’s rear-wheel drive, it’s a BMW – for some that’s everything you need.

8/10

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