Island Life Magazine Ltd November/December 2005 | Page 62

MOTORING

BMW’s
new baby
The 1-Series represents BMW's attempt to
bring premium brand prestige to an even
larger audience. The littlest BMW competes
against VW's Golf, Audi's A3 and high-spec
Focus and Astra models from Ford and
Vauxhall.
In a sector dominated by front-drivers, the 1Series is unique in offering rear-wheel drive
powered by a longitudinally mounted engine in
the front. And it was BMW's aim to make this
the most sporting hatchback in the class, to
which end the 1-Series completed an
astonishing 30,000 miles of testing around the
demanding Nurburgring road race circuit in
Germany.

The 1-Series is available with 1.6- and 2.0-litre
petrol engines, and a 2.0-litre diesel in 150bhp
or 122 bhp form, the latter badged 318d, and
last but not least the 3.0lt M-Sport, petrol.
Standard equipment includes a six-speed
transmission on all but the entry-level 116i,
run-flat tyres, six airbags, a CD player and an
on-board computer.
This is a genuinely entertaining car to drive.
Combine perfect 50/50 weight distribution with
rear-wheel drive and a long wheelbase with
short overhangs and you get a marvellous
formula for poise and balance on the road.
They are fantastically good to drive, have
distinctive looks, a prestige badge and a 5 star
NCAP rating for safety.
Prices start from £15,995 for a 116i.
Contact:
Snows BMW
Tel: [phone]

62