Verdict
The BMW 1 Series Coupé benefits from aggressive looks and an excellent range of engines, including some powerful diesel units. It's both a brilliant and underrated coupé.

Expert rating: 4.0

Pros
• Great range of engines
• Bullet-proof reliability
• Expensive looks

Cons
• High list price
• Harsh ride
• Awkward looks

1. Exterior: 4/5
The BMW 1 Series Coupe splits opinion like few other cars, but one thing is for sure: it looks expensive. However, there's no getting away from the fact it looks awkward from some angles.

2. Interior: 4/5
The cabin is well-built and restrained but the dashboard is as black as a coal face; there's none of the extravagant dial and switch illumination of many competitors. Everything is purely functional, although the 1 Series M gets leather seats with orange stiching on the door inserts, handbrake, gear lever and dashboard.

3. Practicality: 3/5
The coupe has a bigger boot than the 1 Series hatch (up from 340 litres to 370 litres) and the split rear seats fold down to liberate more space. The biggest practicality issue has always been a lack of room for rear passengers, and the Coupe is no better.

4. Ride and handling: 4/5
Body roll is almost non-existent and the Coupe has superb poise, but if you value comfort over handling, we'd recommend the SE-spec Coupe. The hardcore M Coupe has a reasonably comfortable ride thanks to its excellent damping, while it also has incredible grip, covering challenging roads at a scintillating pace. It's a real rival to the brilliant Porsche Cayman, with a less delicate, but equally satisfying level of balance on road and track.

5. Performance: 5/5
Heading the power race is the 135i with 306bhp, accelerating from 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds. The M Coupe goes one step further; thanks to its 335bhp, 0-62mph takes 4.9 seconds. The 125i petrol has a 3-litre engine with 218bhp and takes just over a second longer to reach 62mph. The 120d has 175bhp and hits the benchmark in 7.6 seconds. The cream of the crop is the 123d, a 2-litre engine with two turbochargers. Its 201bhp is produced smoothly and quietly, it arrives at 62mph in seven seconds and has a top speed of 148mph.

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6. Running costs: 4/5
The 120d emits just 128g/km of CO2 while the 123d emits only 138g/km and averages 54mpg. BMW's efficient dynamics package is a big help, incorporating automatic stop and start, direct fuel injection, brake energy regeneration, electric power steering and energy saving tyres. There's a big gap between the diesel and petrol engines, which are altogether thirstier (35.8mpg for the 125i and 30.7mpg for the 135i) and emit 190g/km and 220g/km. Most expensive is the M Coupe, with consumption of 29.4mpg and emissions of 224g/km.

7. Reliability: 4/5
There should be no cause for concern here. The quality of engines and other components is top notch and the cabin feels extremely well built.

8. Safety: 4/5
The 1 Series Coupe has scored a full five stars in the EuroNCAP crash test programme for occupant protection, but a poor one star for pedestrian safety. It features six airbags, stability control and traction control.

9. Equipment: 4/5
ES models have 16-inch alloy wheels, while SE and M-Sport models get 17-inch rims. Only the range-topping 135i M-Sport has 18-inch wheels. SE trim models include climate control, rear parking sensors, multi-function steering wheel and fog lights. M-Sport models feature firmer suspension and sports seats while the 135i gets its own uprated brakes, rear spoiler and automatic wipers and lights.

10. Why buy? 4/5
Small cars often prove themselves the best on Britain's cramped roads, and the 1 Series Coupe reaffirms this: it feels nimble. With such impressive engines, it's a convincing package. The 123d in particular works miracles with its high levels of performance and eco credentials; the only downside is the price. Performance enthusiasts will be blown away by the 1 Series M Coupe, which is a true Porsche Cayman rival and spiritual successor to the original BMW M3.