BMW 120D SE For Sale

Model range overview Build your BMW BMW EfficientDynamics Tax free sales Motability Current offers Experience JOY Overview National search Dealer search Approved Used Car benefits Overview Service & Maintenance BMW Assist Bluetooth Compatibility Genuine BMW Accessories BMW Performance BMW Lifestyle BMW Magazine BMW Car Club Subscribe to BMW news Overview Model range overview Corporate Sales information Corporate news Overview Contact BMW Corporate information Careers Sports BMW Awards Overview Financing Your BMW Existing customers BMW Insurance Company car drivers 3-door 5-door Coupé Convertible Saloon Touring New Coupé New Convertible The BMW 320d ED New Saloon New Touring Gran Turismo Coupé Convertible New Convertible Saloon X1 New X3 New X5 X6 Z4 1 Series M Coupé M3 Saloon M3 Coupé M3 Convertible M6 Coupé M6 Convertible X5 M X6 M Facts and figures > Prices and specification Car comparator Genuine BMW Accessories BMW Performance Service packages Ownership benefits Tax free sales Bluetooth Company car tax Insurance quote Image gallery Current offers BMW EfficientDynamics Build your 1 Series Request a brochure Request a test drive Find a dealer Motability Motability Car Scheme Choose your BMW Find a dealer Motability Home > Choose your BMW > 1 Series 3-door > Prices and specification Prices and specification 120d SE Standard equipment Technical specification 1 Series 3-door offers Engine BMW EfficientDynamics Intelligent Energy Management system - Auto Start-Stop (MSA)* *Excluding models with Automatic transmission BMW EfficientDynamics Intelligent Energy Management system - Brake Energy Regeneration (iGR) and Intelligent Alternator Control (IAC) BMW EfficientDynamics Intelligent Energy Management system - Electric Power Steering (EPS) with Servotronic BMW EfficientDynamics Intelligent Energy Management system - Optimum shift indicator (SPA)* *Excluding models with Automatic transmission Catalytic converter Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Digital Diesel Electronics (DDE) Four-cylinder in-line diesel engine with common-rail technology Incorrect fueling protection system Oil dipstick Turbo Transmission Gear lever, short shift Six-speed manual transmission Wheels and chassis 16" light alloy wheel Double-spoke style 222 Lightweight double-joint spring-strut front axle with aluminium strut brace Mobility tyre sealing system Rear suspension, five-link Safety and technology Airbags, front sides (seat-integrated) Alarm system (Thatcham 1) with remote control and engine immobiliser Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Automatic Stability Control (ASC + T) Brake fade compensation Brake Force Display Cornering Brake Control (CBC) Crash sensor activating central locking release, hazard warning lights, fuel cut-off and interior lighting Deformation zones front and rear, door reinforcements and bumpers that regenerate to their original shape in impacts of up to 2.5 mph Disc brakes - front and rear with brake pad sensors Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) First Aid kit and warning triangle Foglights, front Halogen headlights Head restraints, rear and folding High level third brake light Impact-Dependent Airbag System (ID Airbags), driver and front passenger ITS head airbags - driver, front passenger and rear On-Board Diagnosis (OBD) Park Distance Control (PDC), rear Run-flat tyres with Tyre Puncture Warning System (TPWS) Seat belts - front, inertia reel with pyrotechnical belt latch tensioner and belt force limiter Seat belts - three with inertia reel, rear (two when four seat configuration is specified) Side impact protection Tyre Puncture Warning System (TPWS) Visible VIN Windscreen washer jets, front and rear Windscreen washer jets, heated Windscreen wipers with adjustable intermittent intervals Seats 60:40 split-folding rear seat Child seat ISOFIX attachment, front and rear, with front airbag deactivation Five seats Exterior equipment All round anti-corrosion system with partial hot galvanising, phosphate treatment and cathodic dip paintwork, preservation of hollow cavities, underfloor protection Exhaust tailpipe - single, chrome Exterior mirrors - electric adjustment Exterior mirrors, heated Exterior parts in body colour: Bumpers, Door handles, Side sills Indicator lenses, clear Kidney grille chrome with black vertical slats Luggage compartment access via BMW Roundel Non-metallic paintwork Interior equipment Air conditioning, automatic with two-zone control Air microfilter Armrest - front, centre Battery in luggage compartment with jump start facility in engine bay Central locking switch Courtesy lights, front and rear with soft on/off dimming Door sill finishers with BMW designation Electra cloth upholstery Electric windows - front, with open/close fingertip contol, anti-trap facility and comfort closing function all round. Floor mats, velour Handbrake lever, gear lever knob and gaiters in Sensatec Interior trim - Silver Lights-on warning Luggage compartment strap for small items Power socket 12V in rear of centre console Smoker's package Sport multi-function leather steering wheel, three-spoke Start/Stop button Steering column with manual reach and rake adjustment Storage compartments in door panels, front Sun visors with vanity mirrors and ticket pocket Toolkit located in luggage compartment Two lashing eyes in luggage compartment Audio and communications Auxiliary input point for auxiliary playing devices BMW Business radio with single CD player (with MP3 playback capability) On-Board Computer (OBC) comprising average speed, fuel consumption and range, information display- analogue instruments combined with liquid crystal display, outside temperature display Personal Profile functions 1st March 2010 .With over 20,000 unique combinations your own specification comes as standard. Put BMW to the test Overview Model: 120d SE OTR Price: £22,670 Fuel: Diesel BIK (%): 18% (20%) CO2 (g/km): 125 (140) Combined fuel consumption (mpg): 60.1 (53.3) Performance (hp): 177 0-62mph (secs): 7.5 (7.7) Choose another model Print model details View technology guide Calculate company car tax Insurance Quote Home Request a brochure Request a test drive Find a dealer Website help Contact BMW Site map Motor Industry Codes of Practice Privacy Legal notice || Model range overview Build your BMW BMW EfficientDynamics Tax free sales Motability Current offers Experience JOY Overview National search Dealer search Approved Used Car benefits Overview Service & Maintenance BMW Assist Bluetooth Compatibility Genuine BMW Accessories BMW Performance BMW Lifestyle BMW Magazine BMW Car Club Subscribe to BMW news Overview Model range overview Corporate Sales information Corporate news Overview Contact BMW Corporate information Careers Sports BMW Awards Overview Financing Your BMW Existing customers BMW Insurance Company car drivers 3-door 5-door Coupé Convertible Saloon Touring New Coupé New Convertible The BMW 320d ED New Saloon New Touring Gran Turismo Coupé Convertible New Convertible Saloon X1 New X3 New X5 X6 Z4 1 Series M Coupé M3 Saloon M3 Coupé M3 Convertible M6 Coupé M6 Convertible X5 M X6 M Facts and figures > Prices and specification Car comparator Genuine BMW Accessories BMW Performance Service packages Ownership benefits Tax free sales Bluetooth Company car tax Insurance quote Image gallery Current offers BMW EfficientDynamics Build your 1 Series Request a brochure Request a test drive Find a dealer Motability Motability Car Scheme Choose your BMW Find a dealer Motability Home > Choose your BMW > 1 Series Convertible > Prices and specification Prices and specification 120d SE Standard equipment Technical specification 1 Series Convertible offers Engine Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Digital Diesel Electronics (DDE) Four-cylinder in-line diesel engine with common-rail technology Oil dipstick Oil level display Turbo Transmission Gear lever, short shift Six-speed manual transmission Wheels and chassis 16" light alloy wheel Double-spoke style 222 Electric Power Steering (EPS) Lightweight double-joint spring strut front axle with aluminium strut brace Rear-axel, five-link Safety and technology Airbags, front sides (seat-integrated) Alarm system (Thatcham 1) with remote control and engine immobiliser Auto Start-Stop (MSA) Brake Energy Regeneration (iGR) Brake Force Display Crash sensor activating central locking release, hazard warning lights, fuel cut-off and interior lighting Deformation zones front and rear, door reinforcements and bumpers that regenerate to their original shape in impacts up to 2.5 mph Disc brakes - front and rear with brake pad sensors Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) comprising: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Automatic Stability Control (ASC + T), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) First Aid kit and warning triangle Foglights, front Halogen headlights Head restraints - rear, adjustable and removable High level third brake light (bootlid) Impact-Dependent Airbag System (ID Airbags), driver and front passenger Incorrect fueling protection system Intelligent Alternator Control (iAC) On-Board Diagnosis (OBD) Optimum Shift Indicator (SPA) Park Distance Control (PDC), rear Rear-view mirror automatically dimming Roll-over protection system Seat belts - inertia reel at the front with pyrotechnical belt latch tensioner, belt force limiter and belt restrainer Seat belts - two with inertia reel, rear Side airbags, driver and front passenger Side impact protection Visible VIN Windscreen washer jets, heated Windscreen wipers with adjustable intermittent intervals Seats Child seat ISOFIX attachment - front and rear, with front passenger airbag deactivation Electra cloth upholstery Four seats Rear seat easy access system Standard seats, manual adjustment Exterior equipment All round anti-corrosion system with partial hot galvanising, phosphate treatment and cathodic dip paintwork, preservation of hollow cavities, underfloor protection Exhaust tailpipe - single, chrome Exterior mirrors - aspheric, electric adjustment Exterior mirrors, heated Exterior parts in body colour: Bumpers, Door handles, Side sills Indicator lenses, clear Kidney grille, chrome with black vertical slats Non-metallic paintwork Interior equipment Air conditioning, automatic with convertible mode Air microfilters Armrest - front, centre Battery in luggage compartment with jump start facility in engine bay Central locking switch Courtesy lights, front and rear with soft on/off dimming Door sill finishers with BMW designation, black Electric windows - front and rear, with open/close fingertip control, anti-trap facility Extended lighting Floor mats, velour Handbrake lever, gear lever knob and gaiters in Sensatec Interior trim, Satin Silver Lights-on warning Luggage compartment strap for small items Non-Smoker's package Power socket, 12V in rear of centre console Securing rings in luggage compartment, four Sport multi-function leather steering wheel Start/Stop button Steering column with manual reach and rake adjustment Sun visors with vanity mirrors and ticket pocket Toolkit located in luggage compartment Audio and communications Auxiliary input point for auxiliary playing devices (eg MP3 player) BMW Business radio with single CD player (with MP3 playback capability) On-Board Computer (OBC) - Comprising: Average speed, Fuel consumption and range, Information display - analogue instruments combined with liquid crystal display, Outside temperature display Personal Profile 1st March 2010 .With over 20,000 unique combinations your own specification comes as standard. Put BMW to the test Overview Model: 120d SE OTR Price: £26,965 Fuel: Diesel BIK (%): 18% (21%) CO2 (g/km): 133 (145) Combined fuel consumption (mpg): 56.5 (51.4) Performance (hp): 177 0-62mph (secs): 8.1 (8.2) Choose another model Print model details View technology guide Calculate company car tax Insurance Quote Home Request a brochure Request a test drive Find a dealer Website help Contact BMW Site map Motor Industry Codes of Practice Privacy Legal notice || “ BMW’s compact prestige model, the 120d, has badge desirability and the build quality and handling dynamics to satisfy both the sporting and non- sporting driver...” HOW TIME FLIES WHEN YOU ' RE ENJOYING YOURSELF. It was only when some friends bought a pre-owned 1 Series BMW that we realised that BMW ' s ' baby ' has been around for over three years. And hasn ' t it done well! Our friend's 'new' pre-owned 5-door arrived the same week as our 120d SE 5-door test car. It's actually a very good test of a car — seeing one that's been out in the front line, diligently doing its duty. With the One, BMW have managed to scale down the size of the product without compromising the 'brand' quality. The 1 Series is one of those shapes that is much better in the metal; get the right colour and it really does do justice to the 'cab-rear' body style, emphasised by the long bonnet and roofline, upright nose and truncated front overhang. A recent minor makeover fine-tuned the looks with a larger grille and new headlamps that leave onlookers in no doubt that it is a BMW. BMW are best-known for making sporting cars that are rewarding to drive. It's a tradition that hasn't been lost in the 1 Series. We tested the 5-door 120d which manages a very appealing blend of economy and performance. Whether you choose three doors or five, economy is all you could wish for — for many, the diesel-powered models will be the pick of the bunch. Given that the 120d will run to 142mph and crack the 0-62mph sprint in 7.6 seconds, its ability to return an average consumption of 58.9mpg (with a potential 68.9mpg on offer for extra-urban use) is not far short of amazing. A week's enthusiastic driving by MotorBar's road testers still saw an overall figure of 48.8mpg. That the performance is impres-sive is down to the 177bhp and the 258lb ft of torque produced by the four-cylinder turbodiesel. But economy is only half of the 1 Series story. Remember, this is a BMW, so sporting performance can be taken for granted. Right? In point of fact, Yes — it can. Perhaps the 1 Series' strongest selling point is that it's a rear-wheel drive hatchback in a market sector awash with front-wheel drive rivals. And, like a good deed in dark world, it shines out. In a single simplified soundbite: the BMW One offers a persuasively entertaining drive. But before we get into the pleasing nitty-gritty of the 120d's dynamic abilities, a quick look at what else you get would be appropriate. After all, not everybody buying one has the same set of priorities. For some it will be their first step on the BMW ladder; others could likely be downsizing from another premium brand. These customers will be looking to creature comforts — and they won't be disappointed. The 1 Series may be smaller than the average BMW but it doesn't lack any of its bigger brothers' hi-tech equipment. Particularly when it comes to safety — the One is well-endowed with all the essentials: ABS with electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Brake Control, Automatic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control and Dynamic. There's also front, side and curtain airbags. No problem with run-flat tyres, either — the ride's good with them and the extra boot space is always useful. If you buy a five-door, you're probably intending to use the rear seats for more than just shopping. The rear accommodation is good — the rear bench is of a 60:40 split/fold design — and there's more headroom than you would expect seeing the car from outside. So long as those travelling up front aren't too tall, four average-size adults can be accommodated comfortably, with good support from the seats. For those times when you need to maximise the rear load bay, the practically-shaped 330-litre boot is easily extended (to 1,150 litres) by folding down the rear seats (they fold almost flat). Access via the rear hatch is also good and the swivelling boot badge that opens the tailgate a neat touch. Settle in the driver's seat and you would be forgiven for thinking you're sitting in a low-slung sports car. Better still, there's lots of adjustment in every direction on the very supportive seat, as well as of the steering wheel — a comfortable driving position is guaranteed. Dead ahead through the top arc of the meaty, leather-wrapped multi-function wheel is a cowled set of clear — unbeatable white-on-black — and easy-to-read instruments. The dash is attractively minimalist; all controls and switchgear arranged in a businesslike manner and the short gear lever is close to hand. Nicely-shaped, very-comfortable-in-your-palm gear knob, too. Overall there's a snug, sporty feel to the cabin that generates an instant familiarity, as if it has been tailored to you personally. Look around some more and you'll find that fit and finish, too, are up there with the best in the class. Plus there's all the usual refinements that you'd expect on a 'classy' model including 2-Zone automatic AirCon, audible parking sensors front and rear (with, helpfully, different warning tones for each end of the car), lots of well-considered in-cabin storage, four one-shot auto up/down windows (and, commendably, the rear glass retracts fully into the door), good-size buttons for the audio and on-board computer, automatic 'drive off' central locking and, a clever touch this, the side bolstering on the front seatbacks can be pumped up at the press of a button for a perfect fit — or maximum location for a blast of spirited driving. The 'sporty' feel theme continues when you fire-up the engine: before you can push the stop/start button you must plug in the electronic key — it docks neatly into the slot on the fascia to the left of the steering column. Dip the clutch, press the button and the diesel unit fires immediately, quickly settling to a near-silent and very undiesel-ish tick-over. Honestly, you really can't tell it drinks derv! Not only are these starter buttons satisfying to use, they're so much easier than twisting a key (safer for your knees, too, in an accident) and there's never a chance of a key-blade snapping off in the lock (it happened to us a few years back on our own 7 Series and was Very Bad News). And No, when that happens, even the (very!) nice break-down man won't be able to quickly solve your problem. The next aspect of the 120d that you'll quickly appreciate is its refinement. It certainly makes most of the other diesels in this class sound rather agricultural. And it's not down to some clever insulation, either — this 120d unit is mechanically refined and, idling or punching out power and torque in the upper ranges, it is a superbly smooth operator. What's it like to drive? Lovely; very wieldy — a driver's car. If you think all that stuff about cars steering and handling more sweetly when the power is transmitted to the road via the rear wheels is just so much marketing puff, then you need to try out one of these 120ds. And soon. Its rear-wheel drive is, without a doubt, a major advan- tage over every one of its front-wheel drive rivals — the 1 Series is, in fact, the only rear-driven sports hatch that you can buy. If you haven't come across it before, the standard-fit Stop/Start system may surprise you. Pull up, engage neutral and release the clutch and the engine cuts out. The first time it does its clever party trick gives you something of a shock. Even when you know, part of your brain is yelling "What's happened?" Don't panic — this is cutting-edge progress in action. At the same time as the engine cuts out, the alternator is de-coupled and the AirCon compressor scaled back to save energy and improve miles per gallon. Ready to move off? The engine automatically restarts the moment you depress the clutch pedal. And it's quicker than you will ever be — long before your brain has ordered the left hand/left foot sub-routine with the gearlever/clutch. BMW have, sensibly, made it possible to easily turn Stop/Start off although once you've driven around with it in heavy traffic you forget all about it and automaticlly leave it to do its bit to save fuel — which is the reason why it's there in the first place! Talking of neat features, another is the brake lights: brake normally and they light up as per normal; emergency brake or trigger the ABS and they blaze much brighter to warn following drivers. Another piece of high-tech kit — Brake Energy Regeneration — recharges the battery every time you apply the brakes! With so much safety kit on board it's good to know that you can still have fun driving. High grip levels (backed up by the stability control system) allow you to make the most of the 120d's undeniably sporty driving characteristics. The ride is sports car firm — but forgiving. Our test car was running Bridgestone Potenza run-flat rubber (205/50) on 5-blade 17-inch alloys — no complaints there. As usual, some will say the ride's too hard while others will say it's a well-chosen compromise between comfort and reassuring stability. For us, the 120d's ride was the latter — and pleasantly fidget-free. Body control, grip and balance are all first-rate and the 120d always feels tidy and poised. Sharp steering, unencumbered by any torque con-tamination, is nicely weighted — you'll find the One is always keen to change direction. Good enough, power through a demanding series of sweeping bends at an exciting velocity with genuine assurance. Or, in layman's terms — planted and slingable. The chassis and engine perform a polished duet: there's the feeling that more power could readily be accommodated — although the 120d's smoothly-delivered 258lb ft of torque provides impressive pace and punch. Even on quick-moving motorways you rarely need to drop down the 'box; and when you need to, the slick change action makes it a pleasure. While it's always eager to get up to speed, the 120d is just as happy to scrub it off again. The brakes are reassuringly pro-gressive and powerful with good take-up and feel and you get the feeling that even a long descent down alpine hairpins wouldn't faze or fade them. Overall the 120d is a very thoroughly considered and well-thought out driving machine. Sure, the One may be the baby of the range but that certainly doesn't make it any less a BMW! BMW 120d SE 5-door | £22 , 365 Maximum speed: 142mph | 0-62mph: 7.6 seconds Overall test MPG: 28.2mpg | Power: 177bhp | Torque: 258lb ft CO2 128g/km | Insurance group 14 home | top of page | all car reviews Home NEWS NEW CAR reviews DVD+Blu-ray reviews CD reviews VIDEOS WIN TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE BOOKS Contact MotorBar MotorBar — Online since 2000 Copyright © 2000-2010 MotorBar.com & MotorBar.co.uk All rights reserved ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BMW 120d SE || » sitemap . home . clips HOME BMW RENAULT FORD AUDI SAAB VAUXHALL PEUGEOT CHEVROLET TOYOTA HONDA VOLKSWAGEN CAR HIRE VANS » 1 SERIES 3 SERIES M3 5 SERIES M5 6 SERIES M6 7 SERIES Z RANGE Z4M Z4 X RANGE X3 X5 M SPORT » Dealer login Username Password » Carbag » Latest Cars www.carbag.co.uk - New Vauxhall Insignia - Renault Clio RS - Maserati GranSport V8 - New 207 GTi - Astra VXR - Audi A3 - M3 Sport - Corsa VXR - Saab 9-3 Convertible - Toyota Auris - BMW 330i » Car News - Headlines - RSS Feed » BRAND NEW & USED BMW 1 SERIES 120d SE Find a brand new or used BMW 120d SE. Search for dealers offering low online prices on new, nearly new and approved BMW used 120d SE including the petrol and M Sport range. Many of our preferred dealers offer fast delivery to your door and competitive finance† options. Search Carbag for your next sports convertible or prestige vehicle. The New 2008 BMW 1 Series BMW 120d SE RANGE » 120i M Sport | 118i Sport | 120i SE | 120i ES | 118i DIESEL » 120d M Sport | 120d ES | 120d Sport | 120d SE | 120d Also available as 118d SE Catalytic converter Common rail injection system Digital diesel electronics (DDE) Four-cylinder in-line engine with four valve technology Turbocharger with variable electronically-controlled turbine geometry Self adjusting clutch mechanism Six-speed manual transmission Twin mass fly wheel 16-inch light alloy wheel V-spoke style 229 Driver and passenger airbags, front and side Head airbags in front and rear Alarm system with remote control & electronic immobiliser Anti-lock braking system (ABS) Brake force display Dynamic stability control (DSC) including ASC+T, DBC and DTC Front fog lamps Halogen headlights Rear park distance control Runflat tyres with tyre puncture warning system Deformation zones front & rear and door & bumper reinforcements Rear child seat ISOFIX attachments 60:40 split foldable rear seat Manual seat height adjustment for front seats Exterior parts in body colour including front and rear lower bumper valences etc. Electrically adjustable rear view mirrors, aspheric, blue tinted Automatic air conditioning with air microfilters Front armrest with storage compartment Electric front and rear windows Headlamp height adjustment Interior auto dimming mirror Start/stop button Sun visors Manually adjustable steering column Three-spoke leather steering wheel On-board computer displaying average fuel consumption etc. Business CD & radio AUX input point for auxiliary playing devices Loudspeaker system with six speakers Titan Matt interior trim Moire cloth upholstery » Quick Links - Personal number plates - Get an insurance quote - BMW parts - Car hire - Dealer terms & conditions Terms of site use: Please do not provide personal information to this site unless you agree that it may be used to contact you or for market research, customer care, tracking of data, mailing of product information or special offers. 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A lot. For Peter, the 1-series reaffirms the purity of rear-wheel drive in a hatchback. I’m tempted to agree, as my 120d snicks with almost casual assurance through another open S-bend at ridiculous velocity. But the truth is that for a younger generation (sorry Peter) the concept of a small hatchback sending power to the rear wheels is as alien as anything in modern motoring. There’s just no modern precedent for this car, and that alone – plus the fact that it actually delivers on the promise of its mechanical layout – makes it very beguiling. Right now, until BMW starts inserting big-capacity sixes or high-revving motor sport ‘fours’ into unsuspecting Ones, the 120d is the quickest variant you can buy. With a strong 163bhp and a massively sturdy 251lb ft, there’s nothing that a 120i can do, however desperate, to get away from a chasing 120d. That the performance is always impressive is hardly a surprise. BMW claims the 0-60mph sprint takes just 7.9sec and it feels easily that quick. That it’s coupled with refinement that makes some other diesels in the hatchback class sound and feel like fairground generators is the real news. From muted idle to fluid upper rev-range, noise levels are fantastically low, as are vibration and harshness. Only a faint murmur felt through the clutch pedal at the top of its travel mars the picture slightly. A smooth turbo boost curve aids a finely judged power delivery that avoids the ‘nodding dog’ all-or-nothing characteristic yet provides enough of a shove in the back to remain exciting. And you don’t have to suffer a clunky old gearbox to handle all that torque: the 120d’s ’box is a typically sweet, snappily shifting BMW device. With near-50mpg economy, it’s only the fact that BMW’s petrol sixes are so smooth, engaging and sonically stimulating that puts any real dent in the diesel’s case for purchase. There is also a slight deterioration in the ultimate handling ability of the diesel car compared to the petrol 1-series, at least against the current four-cylinder cars. The added weight in the nose of the 120d robs just a small fraction of the inherent agility and turn-in found in the petrol variant. Other than that it’s all good news: outright grip, balance and body control are all excellent. Best of all, the steering is wonderfully free from any driveshaft sourced contamination and beats a 3-series for weighting, feel, confidence-inspiring accuracy and straight-line stability. The ride – on smooth German roads at least – is firm but quiet and composed. And styling? A debate that’s sure to rage on. But in that split second when eye spies object but brain lags behind in retrieving any prejudice, I liked it. From the photos you might expect something resembling an old Austin, but the 1-series works so much better in the metal. It might not be perfect in its details, but understand why the basic proportions are like they are and, as an example of applying a brand’s unique identity to a new market sector, it works very well indeed. It’s the kind of car you need to see for yourself to form an opinion. At £20,800 before any essential options you’ll pay dearly for a hatchback that offers considerably less rear-seat practicality than a Golf. But in a world where a Golf TDi can cost £24,410 – admittedly with options – the 1 series feels like one self-consciously premium product that really is worth the extra cash. Adam Towler Your say Start the discussion Car reviews home Ads by Google Advertisement FIND A CAR REVIEW Select a car AC Alfa Romeo Alpina Ariel Artega Ascari Aston Martin Audi Austin Bentley BMW Bristol Brooke Bugatti Cadillac Callaway Campagna Caparo Caterham Chevrolet Chrysler Citroën Corvette Dacia Daewoo Daihatsu Datsun DMS Dodge ECC Elfin Farbio Ferrari Fiat Ford Ginetta Gumpert Holden Honda Hummer Hyundai IFR Infiniti Invicta Iveco Jaguar Jeep Jensen Jetstream Ken Okuyama Kia Koenigsegg KTM Lamborghini Lancia Land Rover Leading Edge Lexus Lotus Marcos Marlin Maserati Mastretta Maybach Mazda McLaren Mercedes-Benz MG MG Motor Mini Mitsubishi Mitsuoka Monteverdi Morgan Morris NAC Nissan Noble Opel Pagani Peugeot Porsche Proton Qpod Radical Reliant Renault Roewe Rolls-Royce Rover Saab Saturn Seat Shelby Skoda Smart Spyker Ssangyong SSC Subaru Superformance Suzuki Tata Tesla Think Toyota Triumph TVR Vauxhall Veritas Volkswagen Volvo Westfield Zenvo Prices & specs Edition Price BMW 1 Series 116i ES £18,145 BMW 1 Series 116i SE £19,385 BMW 1 Series 116i Sport £18,145 BMW 1 Series 116i M Sport £20,940 BMW 1 Series 118i SE £21,335 BMW 1 Series 118i M Sport £22,890 BMW 1 Series 116d ES £19,335 BMW 1 Series 116d SE £20,575 BMW 1 Series 116d Sport £19,335 BMW 1 Series 116d M Sport £22,130 BMW 1 Series 118d ES £20,485 BMW 1 Series 118d SE £21,725 BMW 1 Series 118d Sport £20,485 BMW 1 Series 118d M Sport £23,280 BMW 1 Series 120d SE £23,215 BMW 1 Series 120d M Sport £24,705 BMW 1 Series 123d M Sport £26,535 More Now read this... 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