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4
Handling
Performance
Usability
Feelgood factor
Readers' rating
3.5
By Glen Waddington
First Drives
25 April 2008 10:16
Remember when the BMW 3-series convertible had a fabric roof? It wasn’t always an upmarket folding tin-top. So a gap’s opened up beneath it. A gap that’s a perfect fit for a smart and decently engineered rag-top that’s just about big enough to squeeze your kids in the back. Enter the BMW 1-series Convertible.
True, you can save £3000 and drive a VW Eos out of the showroom but, somehow, the BMW manages to feel a class above. One or two people I introduced the 120i to were surprised to learn it isn’t even more expensive – and the range starts at £22,335 for the 118i ES, which features a 141bhp version of the 2.0-litre 16-valve engine.
The 120i pumps out 168bhp but, to be honest, it’s not that exciting to wring out and never actually feels quite as racy as its 8.4sec 0-62mph sprint time suggests. It’s neither as peaky as a high-revving petrol-drinker nor as low-down punchy as a diesel. Instead, it’s suave and strong all the way round the clock, performing unobtrusively and rarely raising its voice above a subdued whine.
Acceleration is brisk without being mind-blowing, and the gearchange is quick, accurate and lacks the stickiness of some BMW manual transmissions. In short, it’s (just) rewarding enough for keen drivers, and refined for those who are happy merely to drift along.
Click 'Next' to read the rest of CAR's first drive
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Peter B says
RE: BMW 120i SE Convertible driven
Speaking of BHP - isn't 168bhp from a normally aspirated 2litre 4cyl impressive power output?
09 May 2008 15:36
I think that the 1 series coupe or convertible looks spot on. It reminds me of the older 3 series model (E36 I think) and the 2002. It has a neat, solid, compact look that to my eyes is classic BMW. I would prefer this to the equivalent 3 series (which I also consider to be great looking). I'm dying to try the twin turbo diesels - they must be awesome.
09 May 2008 15:33
MAX25 says
It is such a lovely interior - almost nicer than the 3's I think, and near identical switchgear. The unsophisticated seatbelt anchors are an unfortunate reminder you're travelling business rather than first, but otherwise it's a fantastic proposition. I'd have one. What with the Mini, the 1, the 3, Z4, the 6 and the Drophead, BMW really do have a superb convertible option for every slice of the market...
26 April 2008 17:19
ga41 says
Damn beaten to the punch by fistagon :D
25 April 2008 18:13
Because different measuring units are used. Most European coutries use PS which is a slightly lower figure than the UK bhp. So it's the same thing. Kind of like using inches and centimeters for measuring distance. Google PS and bhp for more details if you want.
25 April 2008 18:10
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