A BMW to take on the VW Golf? Imagine the nervous atmosphere in the BMW board-room at that presentation. It wasn’t helped when Jeremy Clarkson concluded his review for this newspaper thus: “I’m choosing the words for my conclusion with even more care than usual. So here goes. The 1-series is crap.”

All in all, then, this hatchback got off to a difficult start. Possibly because of its lukewarm reception, there are some great second-hand bargains – but even at under £10,000, is it worth it?

Launched in 2004, the entry-level 1.6 litre, £15,000 116i felt surprisingly agile thanks to its rear-wheel-drive configuration, even though its engine was decidedly lacklustre. Four years on and the 1-series range has been expanded to include three-door, coupé and cabriolet derivatives, though the original five-door hatchback remains something of an oddball. A top-spec example costs more than £30,000 – with an impressive options package – only £2,500 less than an identically powered 3-series saloon.

The first thing to decide is which engine to go for. If you’re looking for hot-hatch performance the 115bhp in the 1.6 litre will not be enough. Confusingly, the 118i and 120i petrol are both 2 litre units producing 129bhp and 150bhp respectively. My advice is: save the best part of £500 and opt for the 118i.
 
BMW upped the power game in September 2005 with a 265bhp 3 litre 130i model, which, in theory, should be fun to drive but never feels as quick as the 0-62mph time of about 6sec suggests.

For me the best buy is a diesel. Not only does the promise of 50mpg from the 122bhp 118d look appealing but a generous helping of torque makes it a relaxed drive. And with emissions of 150g/km, it’s relatively clean too. Used examples are under £10,000.

The BMW’s well-balanced chassis will reward any keen driver, but the main problem is lack of interior space. The transmission tunnel intrudes into the driver’s foot well and robs rear-seat passengers of what precious little foot space there is. The swooping bodywork and tiny rear doors mean the car feels cramped.

Some buyers may feel the 1-series offers other benefits such as afford-ability, excellent build quality and generous equipment, but even these claims need closer inspection. Used buyers will find their budget goes further on a VW Golf.

Similarly, the gulf in build quality between a Ford and a BMW has narrowed; test-drive a one-year-old Ford Focus and see for yourself.

The 1-series was meant to go head to head with the mainstream by offering a blend of practicality, prestige and great driving dynamics – a job already done by the 3-series.


 

BOOT
At 330 litres, it’s 20 litres less than in a VW Golf or Vauxhall Astra and 55 litres less than in a Ford Focus
 
DRIVING DYNAMICS
Both traction control and dynamic stability control are standard

ENGINES
Revised engine line-up from spring 2007 meant improved power, lower emissions and better fuel economy. Latest 18d promises up to 60mpg
 
NO SPARE WHEEL
All 1-series are shod with run-flat tyres to save boot space

SAFETY
Five Euro NCAP stars for adult occupancy but one for pedestrians
 
SAT NAV
Option on all models, but do not pay more than a £350 premium
 
VISIBILITY
Thick rear pillars and high rear screen make visibility poor

 

Alternative

Or for similar money:

2005 55 Audi A3 1.9 TDI SE
2006 55 Vauxhall Astra 2.0T VXR
2006 55 Ford Focus 2.5 ST3
2006 06 VW Golf GT TDI
2006 56 Honda Civic 2.2 i-CTDi


Figures based on CAP August 2008 edition

 © Bumper Media Limited September 2008