When the BMW 1 Series was first launched, as a 5-door hatch, I wasn't very enthused about the shape, writes Brian Byrne. Over the years since, I have come to like revised versions more. But they really caught my fancy when they introduced the Coupe variant in 2007. Somehow, they seemed to have got the whole proportions thing just right.
Well, prior to the full revision of the 1 Series which starts next year, they have tweaked up the existing range both in looks and in efficiency.
What they haven't changed is that it is a honey of a car.
The bodywork modifications include a redesigned bumper, new fog lights, and rejigged halogen headlights which come with an 'eyebrow'.
There are also changes to the rear lights and some other details.
Something you can't see is a very important addition: the Aero Curtain. This takes air in from the front and channels it at high speed into the front wheel arches. A curtain of air is thus fed around the wheels. It cuts down on turbulence and improves efficiency. A clever bit of stuff from racing car design.
The inside of the Coupe is unmistakably BMW. A techno look with bits of sensible luxury. Clean control designs. Uncluttered instruments. A good driving position—though I wouldn't want to be any taller than I am. That said, there's actually much more room in the back than you might expect. Even I could fit there for a reasonable period if it were necessary, as the headroom is surprisingly good. But strictly places for two in that area.
There's also a surprise in the boot, that it is as big as it is. I got the feeling that it is roomier here than in the 5-door hatch, but I don't have the measurements to hand as I write.
BMW has a sporty ethos at its core, so the sense here too is of a car designed for an enthusiast. It isn't a racer in this guise, isn't meant to be. But there's no doubt that it thrives on being driven with verve. I have had high-powered versions of this on a track and was very impressed. However, they didn't compromise on the comfort side either, and the ride is very good.
Actually, that last comment is reflective of another technology—runflat tyres. And how much they have improved. In this application they don't seem to be at all harsh like those which launched with the first 'Bangle' 5 Series. I still have reservations about not having a proper spare wheel, but I've probably lost that one. A larger battery, to cope with the stop/start as well as the other systems, is located where the spare would have been.
This version is powered by a 2.0 diesel, right up with the best in refinement and grunt. There's 143hp, 300Nm of torque. A 9-seconds sprint to 100km/h. All in a fairly small package, which makes for a car that feels quick on its wheels. Yet, thanks to all the efficiency technologies on board it's an A-rated car here for tax purposes.
It's a tidy handler, neat steering and a 6-speed gearbox that has a little weight in the shifting that I quite like.
And then there's the price. This is the 118d SE, from just over €30,000. It comes with a bunch of extra goodies, including sport seats and 17-inch alloys. There are other sporty coupes out there that would tap you for twice as much, and not offer as much.
Niggles? Yes, there's a decent radio but quite fiddly to get the hang of. In the footwell, there's a little awkwardness in the placing of the left foot rest. It didn't have cruise control as standard.
But hey, all these are small, and you learn quickly to live with them. Or would do if you owned the car.
Wouldn't mind owning one at all.
