BMW 1 Series

1 Series being updated  – Presently not on Scheme

The BMW 1 series comes as a 3 or 5 door hatchback.  The BMW 1 series was refreshed in 2011, the F20 1 series is sleeker and more in keeping with the design of the larger beemers complete with the trademark large kidney grille. The current BMW 1 series is a very comfortable car, though a little cramped for rear passengers and the rear visibility is compromised by the small rear window, but what makes the 1 series stand out is the engines, petrol and diesel alike they are all excellent and most importantly astonishingly frugal with fuel.

 

 

The BMW 1 series is available in SE, Sport and M Sport trims, the SE trim has the excellent iDrive controller connected to the dash mounted 6.5″ Display with bluetooth telephone, built in sat nav and usb audio controls, the SE also has a start stop button, 16″ alloy wheels, air conditioning, front and rear electric windows, multi function leather steering wheel and leather handbrake and gearknob covering, The M Sport is as the name suggests the sports model, with sports suspension, M styling and sports seats.  Cruise control and rear parking sensors are a £500 extra across the range which is disappointing.

 

The choice of engines is between the two three cylinder 1.5 litre petrol (badged 118i), the 1.5 diesel (badged 116d), the 2.0 litre petrol badged 20i and the superb the four cylinder two litre diesel 120d with 187bhp that can return 62.8 miles per gallon and reach 62 miles per hour in 7.2 seconds, which is really very fast indeed and the one to go for. All engines can be fitted with the marvellous 8 speed automatic gearbox that neither affects the performance or the fuel economy of the car. Only the 116d can be driven by under 25 year olds and these are priced at a ridiculous AP of £2749 for the Manual and £3499 for the Auto, disgraceful. New 1 series due in 2019.