For A twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine gives sensational performance. The M Sport makeover gives the car sharp looks and handling to match. Standard kit is lavish and the engine is smooth.
Against The sky-high price is the main issue, especially when the bigger, better 3 Series Convertible doesn't cost much more. The ride is firm (unless you specify the regular suspension) and a couple of the cabin plastics are a little disappointing.
View this is an 'M1 Convertible' in all but name and the jaw-dropping price tag might seem acceptable. But it isn't – it's just a very expensive (albeit mightily entertaining) version of the 1 Series.
The 1 Series has a range of engines to suit every budget and taste. For us, the 120d supplies the best balance between pace and running costs and it's refined too. The smaller petrol engines are rather short on grunt, while the higher powered petrol and diesel models push the price too high.
Entry-level ES trim supplies all the basics, but stepping up to SE adds the kind of luxuries that many premium badge buyers will expect. M Sport adds a fetching bodykit, but it also has firmer suspension settings that make the ride less forgiving.
Running costs for the diesel models are low, thanks partly to BMW’s clever Efficient Dynamics measures, which helps towards stunning fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
Petrol versions are cleaner and more frugal than many rivals, but by any standards the 135i seems unnecessarily pricey. BMW offers three- or five-year fixed price servicing packages that can be sold on to future owners.
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