Road Tests
Read the road tests that have appeared in Local Cars magazine
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BMW 1 Series
As my father would say when I was caught in the act of doing something I shouldn’t, there’s no point in being dishonest! And the truth is that for no particular reason I have been a bit biased against BMWs, which I suppose may be something to do with my being a dyed-in-the wool lover of British classic Jaguars and to prove it I own a 1967 Mk2.
But I approached this test car, on loan from the helpful people at Crossfl ags BMW of Dumfries, with an open mind as I wanted to be persuaded my prejudice was misguided.
The car in question was the all-new BMW 1 Series Sport, blessed with the Effi cient Dynamics system which means it not only attracts cheap Road Tax, it also positively hates fi lling stations: it is a fully paid up member of the Green Party with such frugal CO2 emissions of 118g/km as to be positively saintly.
In terms of looks, it has a hunched, pugnacious and purposeful presence, just like a muscular Staffordshire Bull terrier straining at its lead when a cat passes, and is deliciously sculpted about its fl anks, and sitting on sexy alloy wheels, it exudes a fair degree of class and quality.
Occupying the small car segment, I was also suitably impressed by the interior though the rear, semi-sports seats I would suggest are for occasional use in terms of adults, but access is good as the test model was the fi ve-door hatch. Whatever, the interior is perfect for a family with young children and the reasonable-sized boot will happily take their holiday luggage.
The Recaro-type sports front seats are supportive and the driver is faced by a binnacle containing large and clear dials for speed and revs, plus a computer read-out for major functions.
Below this, the central console houses the entertainment and air con systems, and the whole thing is a delightfully ergonomic exercise in simplicity.
The stubby, chunky gearstick falls easily to hand and the handbrake is perfectly placed to make one believe this is actually a competition car and it’s there for easy control when meeting hairpins on forest stages!
As one would expect with BMW’s proclaimed reputation for quality, the cabin materials are of a high standard, with a mix of grained plastic, cloth and leather, and the potential monotony of over-all black is relieved by shining metal-like inserts and highlights.
But I like black interiors as they provide no distractions, have a cocooning effect and are sporty, which again enhances the image of the BMW Sport as a car which wants to please and perform.
And it does! What I failed to say initially is that the BMW is powered by a turbo-charged 2.0-litre diesel, though it is diffi cult to believe it’s not a petrol because it revs like one, sounds like one and goes like stink!
Mine was the 118bhp version which boast a sub- 9 second, 0 – 62mph time and a top speed of 130mph and its keenness to rev its socks off in all gears, makes it extremely lively.
What is more, matched to a semi-hard suspension set up, yet compliant enough to fl oat over pot holes, plus its perfect 50/50 weight distribution, the BMW engine never out-performs its chassis.
This allows the Sport to be ambled around by more sedate drivers, but lively enough for the hooligan in some of us to be let loose and not endanger ourselves.
Strapped in, wireless off, brain engaged and on the deserted A and B roads south west of Dumfries around Mabie, the Sport’s crisp and sure-footed handling meant it was in its element, but my desire to hold onto my Advanced Driver status, and sympathetic to the virgin BMW, I had to reign it in and resist the temptress!
As with virtually all cars it bristles with safety gismos, handling acronyms, state-of-the-art technology, plus a few cubby holes and cup holders for luck, but the executive young couple or family who I reckon would be the buyers of such a car will want the status that a ‘Beemer’ gives and the expected performance which is a written.
But what they will not expect, as I didn’t, that the Series 1 BMW Sport, that despite its lively performance the quoted combined fuel consumption is 64.2 mpg which is awesome given its pokey motor.
Price for the entry level, 3-door petrol model is £17,220 and my 5-door tips the scales at £18,415, so its far from cheap, but then again, the savings in road tax and fuel, added to decent residual values and the indefi nable caché of quality status is what buyers will be attracted by.
And to end your curiosity, I would certainly have one as my prejudice is ended and in this cash - strapped times I would love a fast, economical car which will last! |
