BMW 1 Series, Car Review

There’s always an element of pride in saying you drive a BMW. It’s not just about status, or an instinct for a ‘driver’s car’, but a way of reiterating that you sit at the quality end of the car market. Yet that step can begin at a relatively modest £19,375 for an entry-level 1 Series, rising to £100,000-plus for a top-spec 7 Series. The point is not the price, but the genuine BMW DNA that runs through every model.

Over 70% of BMW 1 Series buyers are new converts to the brand, making the model a key strategic heavyweight in winning you over to the BMW way. This very latest reiteration of the 1 Series goes on the market on 17 September, and we are excitedly among the first behind the wheel.

The new 1 Series at launch comes complete in a variety of four-cylinder engine specs; 116i and 118i petrol, and a diesel trio of 116d, 118d, and 120d. The 120d is the hot performer, but all represent a genuine evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, development.

Noticeable design enhancements include an elongated bonnet, a 30mm longer wheelbase for greater cabin room and boot space, short front and rear overhangs, a more distinctive front end with an expanded ‘kidney’ grill treatment, dynamic curves to the side, and a more compact rear end.

BMW refer to the improved interior as a premium ‘grown up’ cabin with ‘iPhone’ design control display.  Well, its initial bugbear was rear-end passenger space, but the new cabin  is significantly more spacious with increased length, width, and headroom, standard 60/40 split-fold seats,  or an optional 40/20/40 split.

Yet a BMW would not be a BMW unless it was an absolute hoot to drive, and the new 1 Series will not disappoint. Safety is the first cliché that comes to mind, for as we drove the car on BMW’s handling circuit, high levels of grip and control give you great confidence behind the wheel, excelling as it does in that ideal combination of a high-performing engine up front and rear wheel drive. The new 1 Series is still the only rear-wheel drive model in the small luxury saloon segment by the way, and this makes it a driver’s favourite.

While the 1 Series clearly succeeded in extending the BMW experience  to a wider market, this latest reiteration of the brand has evolved into a significantly improved car that will expand its appeal even more to BMW ‘first timers’. And it will certainly hang on to existing 1 Series fans.

Prices range from £19,375 for an entry level 116i to £22,990 for the 120d

The David Lloyd Motor Show

At about 11am on a sunny Sunday, there’s the equivalent of a mobile motor show on the roads of south east London as many of us take to our treasured motors. Porsches, Lamborghinis, Ferraris, classics – find a seat outside any pub in Blackheath Village and you’ll see them all.

So here’s some good news, not only for our local car fans, but for those thinking of buying a new car: on 2 October, the David Lloyd Leisure Centre in Kidbrooke is holding its inaugural Annual Motor Show.

Members of the club will display their own vehicles alongside new cars from a range of local dealers, inviting you to sample the latest manufacturers have to offer. What’s more, I’ll be bringing along a surprise supercar or two to give lucky raffle winners a taste of the fast and furious in action!

And it won’t be just cars; there’ll be a whole range of family activities, food and drink, competitions and prizes, as well as a Leisure Centre Open Day. Some members will also be offering passenger runs in their classic, vintage and supercars in return for a small donation to charity.

David Lloyd Marketing Manager, Sam Wilson, told The Guide: “We held a trial run of the show last year and were encouraged by the positive response, so this year we have decided to go ahead with a full programme. Our members are very keen on the show, and we are pleased to be inviting our local car dealers to display their latest cars.”

For further information or to take part call the Motor Show hotline on 07956 229 519, or speak to Sam Wilson at David Lloyd on 020 8331 3900

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