BMW 1 Series
The BMW 1 Series is the firm's entry-level model and its most affordable car, with prices kicking off at around £18,000. There are three bodystyles available: a brand-new hatchback with three or five-doors, a sporty Coupe and a Convertible. Engines range in size from 1.6-litres to a 3.0-litre twin-turbo, while there's even a performance diesel that uses a 2.0-litre twin-turbo engine.
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Pros:
- Great to drive
- Economical engines
- Quality interior
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Cons:
- Not as spacious as a VW Golf
- Expensive options
- Questionable styling
The current BMW 1 Series comes packed with gadgets and unique features which make it even better than its predecessor. The latest version is lighter and cheaper to run thanks to a range of efficient, hi-tech petrol and diesel engines.
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Pros:
- Fun to drive
- Punchy and efficient diesel engines
- Prestige badge
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Cons:
- High price-tag
- Rear seats are cramped
- Awkward styling
The two-door Coupe is the best 1 Series to drive, and its compact dimensions offer an interesting alternative to the BMW 3 Series for those who don’t need the extra interior space. It's not exactly pretty, but the 1 Series Coupe is nevertheless an exciting alternative to the likes of the Audi TT – you don’t see too many on the roads, so exclusivity is guaranteed.
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Pros:
- Involving rear-wheel-drive handling
- Good looks
- Low running costs
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Cons:
- Cramped rear seats
- High asking price
- Slow operating roof mechanism
The open-top BMW 1 Series Covertible is based on its sister model, the Coupe, so it's great fun to drive. Arguably it also looks better for the loss of the roof. The canvas top means that – unlike some metal-topped coupe-cabriolet rivals – you are in no doubt of its drop-top status when the roof is up. While it can’t match rivals for space in the rear, the petrol-powered editions of the 1 Series are cheap to run.
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Pros:
- Excellent fun to drive
- Exciting looks
- Exclusivity
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Cons:
- Road noise
- Expensive to buy
- Cramped rear seats
Not to be confused with the BMW M1 supercar, the latest high-performance BMW is called the 1 Series M Coupe and can trace it's roots back to the legendary E30 M3. Based on the two door coupe version of BMW's popular 1 Series the M Coupe provides stunning handling and performance with four seats and rear wheel drive.
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