Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2006 | Page 75

MOTORING

Every ONE
is full of
surprises!

SNOWS BMW

Forest Road
Newport . IW
Tel: [phone]

Nick Pointing was
surprised to say the least
when he found out that
the BMW 1 Series is
available On The Road
for under £16,000.

There is a perception around
BMW of expensive luxury, and to
be fair quality and craftmanship
generate this persona
The high level of standard
equipment and refinement, stamp
a seal of approval in the prestigious
market. True, there are endless
models and options to choose from
and engine sizes and power outputs
to suit all pockets, however on all
ranges entry prices are surprisingly
affordable. Doing your homework
and comparing the competition
allows for an appreciation for the
BMW brand with a tasteful price
tag. Snows BMW highlighted
the benefits of a well established
marque offering trust, quality and
innovation which bode well with
a financial outlay far lower than
expected. In fact the BMW One
series 116i, starts at just £15,995
on the road. “You did say £15,995”
I asked in a quiet and hesitant voice,
in case I had heard incorrectly, just
to save on embarrassment. On
conformation, the drive was all the
more enjoyable, and afternoon tea

at Calbourne Mill seemed fitting
enough to contemplate my options.
The range of hatchbacks includes
ES, SE, Sport and M Sport all
accommodating the various cubic
capacities, such as the 116i, 118i,
120i and the 130i, not forgetting
the array of diesels, but my focus is
on the entry models. The drive is as
expected from a BMW, responsive
and agile with credit going to the
rear wheel drive and front wheel
steer combination. The coupelike profile highlights the strong
shoulder line and sleek traditional
long bonnet. The wheels balance
nicely, as the arches trace a close
line around the tyres. Steering
wheel in hand accompanied by
scone crumbs, I head back. As I
scan the clear and uncluttered dash
supported by a refined interior, I
consider competition alternatives,
and weigh up what is on offer, such
as affordable finance deals, and
currently a free upgrade. In simple
terms you pay for a basic model and
receive the next model up courtesy
of Snows. And if your still unsure

Above: The new BMW 1
the total cost of ownership is
Series is excellent value
excellent, due to a low deprecation,
and starts from under
so it is a fair conclusion this is
£16,000 on the road.
quality at a price, a surprisingly low
13905F
MINI
Snows
IOW
133hx98w
27/7/06 11:03 Page 1
one, that is.

AT THE CAR SWAP PARTY, SAY
YOU’VE GOT A HEADACHE.
There are things you might like to swap but your MINI won’t be one of
them. The punchy engine and crisp gear changes add up to the MINI
drive you expect. So if anyone tries to borrow your MINI, send them
along to test drive one of ours instead.

For a genuine MINI adventure:

SNOWS ISLE OF WIGHT
Forest Road, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 5QJ
01983 822820 www.snowsisleofwightmini.co.uk

Finance example is based on a 36 month MINI Select agreement for a MINI Cooper Park Lane with an annual
mileage of 10,000 miles. *On the road cash price is based on the manufacturer’s recommended retail price and
includes 12 months road fund licence, first vehicle registration fee, delivery, number plates and VAT. Model
featured is the MINI Cooper Park Lane at £15,260. Figures are correct at time of going to press and are subject
to change without notice. All finance is subject to status and available to over 18s in the UK only (excluding the
Channel Islands). Guarantees and indemnities may be required. We can arrange finance and hiring facilities for you.

Range of Official Fuel Economy Figures for the MINI range: Extra Urban
65.7–39.8 mpg (4.3–7.1 l/100km). Urban 8.7–21.6 mpg (5.8–13.1 l/100km).
Combined 58.9–30.7 mpg (4.8–9.2 l/100km). CO2 emissions 129–221 g/km.

Island Life - www.islandlifemagazine.net

75