The all new BMW 1 Series is a solid performer with sporty side

The BMW 1 Series has always been an interesting contender and one which was among the first of the ‘premium compact’ segment contenders which are now two-a-penny.

Sat, 23 Jan, 2016 - 00:00

When it was new and fresh the 1 Series was indeed a class leader, but time and competition have consigned it to being something of an also ran, while other segment buster introductions have also stunted its’ sales potential.

On top of that BMW’s own development plans seem to indicate that the model may well vanish into the mists in the not too distant future as the company’s plans for many more front wheel drive models may well kill it stone dead.

Indeed, as has been the case with so many Beemers down the years, the car has been lauded by enthusiasts for being resolutely rear wheel drive, but it would seem that the Munich concern has come to learn that a majority of the buying public are not really that fussed about which wheels are driven and thus expensive engineering could well be unnecessary.

The BMW front wheel drive revolution has already begun with the impressive 2 Series Sports Tourer and it is to be expected in due course that this upheaval will filter its’ way through the model line-up, ultimately including the 1 Series, but that is not quite yet set in stone, although such a thing is expected in 2017.

But if the 1 Series is to bite the dust in its’ current layout, then this final version of the car which we test here will be something of a decent send-off for it. Indeed this current iteration of the 1 Series is not only a fine car — if a tad on the expensive side — it has also put it right back in contention with the opponents which have passed it by in recent years.

As a rear drive five door hatch the 1 Series is actually pretty unique and people will be attracted by the drive configuration, but that’s not the only eye-catching feature here. the car is, as you’d expect, beautifully put together, enjoys updated styling, cabin and equipment levels and the suspension has been tweaked too for better comfort levels.

But, one of the most interesting things of all though is the new source of motivation on offer here. The 116d SE as tested is fitted with the three cylinder turbodiesel we first saw in the Mini range and if the thought of a three-pot powerplant is off-putting to many, then rest assured, BMW would not be putting this thing on the road if it didn’t think it could do the job. And that it does — admirably.

With an output of 85 kW (116 bhp) and an impressive 10.3 second 0-100 kph capability and a top speed a tad over 200 kph, it is not wanting in the get-up-and-go department and with a consumption rate of just 3.8 l/100 km (73 mpg) it is remarkably efficient too.

On the road it is solidity personified and handles like something much sportier. The ride is very comfortable and in general this 1 Series is very easy to live with. It might still not be quite as sophisticated as some of its’ rivals, which is a bit of a black mark when you consider it is the entry level car for BMW, but if it is to be radicalised by the Munich outfit in forthcoming renditions, then this final version should be remembered fondly.