BMW 1 Series Convertible

A perfectly nice small convertible BMW that does itself no favours by being based on the ungainly 1-Series. Sat in it, you quite like it. Look back at it, and you hurry away in case someone thinks its yours.

• Comfort

  The usual BMW 1-Series complaints of slightly chirpy ride from the standard run-flat tyres and a general feeling that this is a car that desperately wants to feel ‘sporty‘ by being ‘stiff‘. The Cabrio actually feels quite solid - which means it’s a bit of a surprise when there’s a decent wobble from the steering column on a rough road. The fabric hood is supremely well-insulated for both temperature and noise. Who needs a folding tin-top anyway? 

  

• Performance

  The usual suspects in the range; four-pot 2.0-litre 118i with 141bhp, the same engine with 170bhp called the 120i, a 3.0-litre six-pot 125i with 218bhp and a similar 3.0-litre with two turbos and 306bhp called the 135i. There’s also a 118d and 120d with 143bhp and 177bhp diesel power. Confusing isn’t it? The base 118i (2.0-litre don’t forget) goes from 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds and on to 130mph, the top-of-the-tree 135i (3.0-litre biturbo) gets to 62mph in just 5.6 seconds and runs on to a limited 155mph. The rest hold various positions between those two markers. Expect lots of de-badged 118is. 

  

• Cool

  The hatch is driven by too many estate agents going undercover so they do without the hideous liveries. Unfortunately that's doomed any sort of hope the Convertible has.

  

• Quality

  ‘It’s all good in the hood’ said Ice Cube in seminal gang film ‘Boyz ‘n’ the Hood’, and the same is true of the BMW 1-Series chop-top. Sort of. The interior is the same as the normal hatch, so nice, but not spectacular. The hood is very good indeed. 

  

• Handling

  Where something like the Audi A3 cabrio surprises by being quite light and fizzy (if FWD), the 1-Series feels like some of the BMW USPs have been eroded. The 1-Series cabrio doesn’t feel particularly rear-wheel drive, though there’s plenty of grip to be had. The steering also feels slightly disconnected - though that could be the fault of overly-helpful power-assistance. You’re into this one for the image, sunshine, let’s not beat around the bush - if you want fine handling, look elsewhere in the BMW range. 

  

• Practicality

  Small back seats, small boot - this isn’t the load-lugger/carry-all you may have been hoping for. Seats two. At best. 

  

• Running costs

  The diesel will get very respectable mpg, the smaller petrols like the 120i will get just over 40mpg - which is fine. The 135i is supposed to get a smidge over 30mpg. This made us laugh out loud in the office. Purchase price is high - you’re paying for that BMW roundel - and residuals are generally good.