THE BMW model line-up is an impressive catalogue. Its cars are well designed and engineered, underpinning the company's premium profile. The exception is the 1 Series – BMW's answer to the Volkswagen Golf, writes DONAL BYRNE
Introducing a small premium car made sense, but the 1 Series is one of BMW’s more controversial innovations. The front has an impressive, traditional BMW presence and the rear is nicely finished. But side flanks give the car the impression of three styles welded together. It is long and ungainly and, in short, disappointing in both three- and five-door formats.
It is further compromised in terms of space. BMW may have gone for another segment, but it stuck with rear-wheel drive. The result is reduced room in the rear and a very small boot.
But the 1 Series handles and rides well and its peppier engines offer great refinement, especially the diesels. The range goes from the 1.6 petrol (the least impressive) to a 2.3 diesel (unnecessary in a car like this). In between is the 1.8 diesel with 122hp, which is the best option overall. BMW’s diesel development has been excellent and this unit does all you would expect. Some engines in the range were updated in 2007, including the 1.8, adding 20hp.
The interior is well finished and solid. Dials and instruments are familiar from other BMWs but the overall finish is not exactly 5 Series standard. Front seats are supportive and comfortable and add to the overall driving experience. There are multiple airbags and safety equipment levels are high, with ABS, stability control, traction control and steering and emergency manouevre equipment.
Reliability is not an issue with BMW. One small glitch affected the rear axle control arm on a few hundred models in 2004 but there have been no major recalls. It has a maximum five-star rating in the EuroNCAP crash test programme.
A 2006 with 1.8 diesel, alloys, full service history and 70,000km is in one garage at €15,950. A 2006 1.6 petrol version with 25,000km is €16,500.
A 2007 1.8 petrol with 20,000km is €17,450 and that’s a three-door. While the diesel is still too expensive in this market, it is the best option.
STAR RATING:5/10