USED BMW 1 Series Hatchback (04 - )

My car

Just got 120i sport and I have been driving it around all day. (what a car)

I traded my compact in this morning and I must admit I was not really sold to idea that this car would in one way or another replace the compact. But how wrong could I be, within just the first 5 miles of driving I knew that I had made the right choice.

I did not think that you could improve that much on the ride and the handling of the compact but those clever people at BMW have managed to pull it off. This car not only looks the part but can hold its own with the bigger and more expensive cars. People have said to me spend £2000 on a golf or an A3 for the same ride, performance etc.

I have drove all 3 and the 1 wins hands down, even if it did cost £2000 more.

My car

Another first from BMW. They certainly know their market.

Anyone who drives this car will not be disappointed by its handling. It was my previlege and pleasure to be a guest of BMW to drive this car around the Rockingham racing track in Northamptonshire and belive me I wasn't going slow. Everything I asked of it around that track it delivered and more besides.

There is not another car in this class that will handle this well. The same can be said on the road as well.

My car

I had a 120d SE for the day from my local dealer, who was keen on letting me drive the car.

I had read up on the performance of this car and was still surprised at the pace. The only hint of it being a diesel was when the engine started for the first time when there was a slight rattle. After that I forgot it was a diesel altogether.

The ride comfort was fine and I didn't find rough roads a problem either. What I especially liked, which I was not aware of previously, was how the steering column stalks for indicators and wipers spring back to their original position no matter what they are doing. This is a very thoughtful design, which takes some getting used to but definitely works well as you always know exactly where they are.

The equipment in the SE is good with an impressive standard speaker system including two subwoofers.

I have put my order in and am counting the days until it arrives.

My car

We have driven and ordered a 120d Sport.

We agree that the ride and performance is first class, but the plastic does not have the soft feel as that of the Compact that we run at the moment.

This is the only thing so far we can see that lets the car down, given the cost.