USED BMW 1 Series Hatchback (04 - )

My car

A sports hatch in every sense. The diesel engine is fantastic.

I have only one criticism: putting the car into reverse gear is difficult and stiff.

My car

A nearly comfortable front cabin, with space to be expected in this size hatch, but what a rough ride.

Given it has run flat tyres, you feel every bump in the road, which leads to headaches on long local journeys ie early and late traffic journeys.

I must admit I don't always look forward to driving it as I did with my old 1999 3 Series. The suspension I feel needs lots more softening and maybe wider wheels for getting over speed bumps with ease, although I’m not talking at speed. But because of the short wheelbase you really feel the up and down incredibly hard when you mount one these in the road.

This car is very good on smooth motorways, very responsive, and also very good going round corners. However, I’ve had this car for two months now and already want to go back to my old 3 Series.

My car

BMW 1 Series handles exceptionally well on A & B roads.

In Sport Spec - not a great car for Sunday Drivers. Suspension / Ride is firmer than most others in its class.

Front sports seats can prove akward for some passengers - although very supportive. Its a car that needs to be driven, and drives particulary well when driven hard.

The diesel engine offers plenty of performance throughout each of 6 gears, and in return can return a realastic 38mpg on average, or 43mpg on a longer journeys. Stated fuel economy figures can be obtained by driving very cautiously. (Then whats the point of buying the 120d) However having been a previous 3 Series driver - very disapointed in the quality of the 1 Series. Some quality glitches have meant that my car has been off the road for approaching 3 weeks - parts are on backorder!

Thc car has received some critisism regarding space in the rear - then why buy it! Buy a cheaper larger mainstream family car.

Boot is adequate - complete with split folding rear seats, however rear legroom is tight. I wouldnt rate 1Series as a practical main family car, perhaps as a second car - rather as its title suggests - a sports hatch. (Primarily designed for the driver and front passsenger).

My car

VERY SMOOTH ACCELERATION, EXCELLANT HANDLING, GREAT DRIVING POSITION. THIS CAR GIVES THE IMPRESSION OF BEING A TRUE SPORTS CAR. I WILL BE PLACING AN ORDER SHORTLY FOR ONE!