BMW 1 Series 130i M Sport 3dr

Costs

Pound for pound the compact BMW costs more than you regular compact hatch. You could say the premium is down to the brand's image and desirability. However, opt for a diesel car, especially the 118d, and fuel consumption and road tax can be kept to a level more akin to that of a budget model from a Far Eastern manufacturer. You can also thanks the stop-start system for some of the savings, plus the low CO2 ratings of the various engines.

Space and practicality

Up front the cabin is just like that of the five-door variant, while in the rear the seating arrangement is better suited to transporting children. This car is not being marketed as family transport, so it would be foolish to expect too much. On a positive note, oddment space is good, with plenty of areas to store mobile phones, drinks bottles and maps. At the rear, the car's boot is a decent size - the boot aperture isn't huge, though - and can be made larger by folding the rear seats.

Controls and display

As we've come to expect from a BMW, the various controls in the 1 Series are both logically laid out and intuitive to use. Everything feels suitably expensive. Steering, gearshift and brakes all feel positive and don't require a lot of effort. Where fitted, the sat-nav is easy to read and programme.

Comfort

BMW is famous for offering firm, supportive seats and even in standard trim the 1 Series continues this trend. Away from the M Sport variants, the ride is pleasingly supple and, assuming you don't rev the engines hard, the cabin ambience is refined and quiet at speed. Space in the front is good, and there's little chance of you bashing elbows with your passenger. The rear seats will always be a compromise, although children are unlikely to complain.

Car security

Despite the car's potential attraction to thieves, it is well protected by a Thatcham approved anti-theft system. There's the obligatory visible VIN also. For added peace of mind a visible deterrent such as a steering lock would be a sound and inexpensive investment. Realistically only a fully optioned 130i would warrant the fitting of a tracking device due to its value and performance potential.

Car safety

All the safety kit you need is present in the 1 Series. Airbags, traction and stability control plus the knowledge that the car handles well in all conditions should help you feel confident and safe on the road.

Driver appeal

The trend for front-wheel drive cars is long established in the compact hatch market, so it's good to see BMW making the effort with its 1 Series. Mercedes doesn't have it all its own way with its rear-drive -Class Sports Coupe, but that's nowhere near as sporting as the BMW anyway. Powered by the firm's range of regular petrol and diesel units the 1 Series feels polished, brisk and engaging. Steering is direct and the manual gearshift is slick. As a premium priced rival to the hordes of hot hatches, the 130i complete with M Sport add-ons is a great car for the enthusiastic driver. The firm ride, responsive and tuneful engine and the all-important rear-drive layout succeed in putting run of the mill GTIs in the shade.

Family car appeal

Neither 1 Series variant is an ideal family car, less so the three door. Strapping a child in the rear will be tricky, making it better suited to the role of second car in a growing family household.

First car appeal

If you've got the money, there's no reason why a 1 Series can't be your first car. Easy to drive, safe and predictable at sensible speeds, it's an interesting and more prestigious alternative then the offerings from Ford, Vauxhall and the like. You might pay a little more for insurance, but opt for a diesel and you'll probably end up paying less overall for fuel.

Quality and image

As a company, BMW's image and reputation is one of the best in the premium sector. Its cars are extremely popular, and the arrival of the 1 Series ensured that a wider audience was able to buy into the BMW experience. Quality wise the first cars weren't that special in terms of cabin fit and finish, but more recently things have changed for the better. Now the 1 Series is a very convincing premium compact hatch.

Accessibility

With the three-door 1 Series the focus is very much on the front seat occupants. The doors will open nice and wide, so long as you're not parked too close to someone in a car park. Although the seating position is lower and more sporting than most rivals, access and egress is straightforward. At the rear, the car's tailgate opens and closes with minimal effort. The load lip is a little high, though.

Stereo and ICE (In car entertainment)

Standard fit is a modest radio and single CD player, which does the job but isn't special. Predictably there are better cost options, including a CD changer and satellite navigation. The latter makes good use of a screen that rises from the top of the car's fascia. Also good are the steering wheel remote controls.

Colours and trim

You get the choice of the usual sombre BMW exterior colours plus a few brighter shades, which help to maintain the car's youthful aspirations. Inside, the cabin is dominated by dark plastics, although the quality is much improved since the launch of the five-door car.

Parking

The need for parking sensors shouldn't be underestimated, as rear visibility isn't great thanks to the car's small rear window and thick D-pillars. Fortunately, the car's power steering is light enough at low speeds to make that chore easy, along with the good size external rear view mirrors.

Spare wheel

Run-flat tyres come as standard.