Model tested: BMW 118d ES three-door
Price: £19,350
Date Tested:October 2008
Road tester: Adrian Hearn

Overall rating: 83%
The 1-Series was BMW's first foray into the hatchback market, competing with the VW Golf. The only rear-wheel drive model on the market, it should appeal to those looking for a car with sportier handling.

1. Looks
Design-wise, BMWs aren't everyone's cup of tea but the 1-Series looks fairly sober, while still being obviously a BMW. Along the side run sleek lines, but the rear is all very plain-looking.
7/10

2. Looks inside
The interior is plain, but looks classy thanks to lots of dark plastics with a quality feel. BMW has played it very safe here so if you're looking for a car with a more interesting interior, look elsewhere.
8/10

3. Practicality
Up front there's plenty of space for driver and passenger but rear seat space is tight. The boot's 330-litre capacity is smaller than the Audi A3's and VW Golf's.
7/10

4. Ride and Handling
The 1-Series has perfect 50:50 weight distribution and it handles excellently; it's debatable whether it needs rear-wheel drive for the smaller engines though. The ride is firm but comfortable and there's very little roll through the corners.
9/10

5. Performance
The 1.8-litre diesel engine develops an impressive 143bhp and 221lb/ft of torque to accelerate from 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds; top speed is 130mph.
10/10

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6. Running Costs
The 1-Series gets auto stop-start to officially average 62.9mpg; we managed just under 45mpg. The 118d costs just £35 per year to tax.
9/10

7. Reliability
BMWs are generally rock-solid and there are no horror stories to report. BMW has been cleaning up on the awards when it comes to engines recently while everything feels well built.
10/10

8. Safety
All models come with six airbags, run-flat tyres with a puncture warning system and a five-star EuroNCAP rating. Standard are ESP, cornering brake control, traction control and electronic brake-force distribution.
9/10

9. Equipment
BMWs are never the best equipped cars and the 1-Series is no different. The entry-level 1 Series gets electric windows, central locking and a CD player; an upgrade to ES trim brings air-conditioning while SE trims adds dual-zone air-con, parking sensors and a steering wheel with controls.
6/10

10. X-Factor
It's a hatchback, it's rear-wheel drive, it's a BMW – for some that's everything you need.
8/10