For For a reasonable premium over ES models, you get lots of extra kit, including rear parking sensors, climate control and a leather-trimmed, multifunction steering wheel. The 2.0-litre engine is punchy yet impressively frugal

Against This is a lot to pay for a 141bhp small hatchback. Some cabin plastics don’t live up to the price tag and rear passengers get a rough deal in terms of space.

BMW 1 Series Hatchback

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

This 118i has many of the best BMW traits – it’s good to drive, solidly built and combines plenty of pace with low running costs. Compared to many rivals it's pricey and impractical, however.

Reader review rating

3.748387
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Key facts

0–60mph
8.7 secs
Top speed
130 mph
Average mpg
46.3
Tank range
542 miles
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Features

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Size

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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

BMW's entry-level model – so long as you don't include the Mini – is in a bit of a quandary.

Yes, it provides a reasonably affordable starting point for BMW ownership, but if you compare it with other premium-badge small hatchbacks such as the VW Golf it looks anything but cheap.

Entry-level models are also rather short on kit, rear seat space and access is pretty poor, while some of the interior trim looks a bit basic. On the plus side, though, it's great to drive and there are some incredibly efficient engines to choose from.

For us, the smaller-engined petrol and diesel versions make most sense. Fuel economy and CO2 emissions are among the best in class, yet the car's not short on pace. There are high-performance petrol and diesel models with over 200bhp, but these are unnecessarily expensive.

BMW offers the choice of two five-year fixed price servicing packages that may make sense for private buyers.

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