BMW 1-Series 3-door: First Drive

Date: 28 February 2007   |   Author: Nat Barnes

Category: Lower medium Prices: £17,785-£31,645 Key Rival: Audi A3

The 1-series hasn't quite been taken to the hearts of the British car-buying public, on the retail side at least, in the same way as the Audi A3 or VW Golf, but that's sure to change as the range steadily expands, initially with the arrival of the new three-door version, followed by a convertible that's due to be unveiled this summer.

In reality, the latest changes to the 1-series go much deeper than merely losing a pair of rear doors, and some of the new fuel economy-focussed technology in the new three-door is sure to appeal. The four-cylinder cars now have BMW's new High Precision Injection with direct injection for better efficiency, plus there's also now Brake Energy Regeneration similar to that found in hybrid cars such as the Honda Civic and Toyota Prius. By helping to charge the battery by up to 20% when braking, it reduces the alternator's work rate thus improving fuel economy. Even the flaps behind the front BMW kidney grille close up for improved aerodynamics at high speeds.

There is also the new automatic Start/Stop function on those cars with a manual gearbox. Whenever you come to a standstill and take the car out of gear, the engine cuts out, then immediately restarts the moment you depress the clutch to re-engage first gear. It's not quite as smooth as the comparative systems on the hybrids, but if the stereo is switched on, you certainly won't be any the wiser aurally. Together with the other new fuel economy systems on the 1-series, BMW claims potential savings of up to 20% compared with the first generation model.

On the road, the car definitely feels slightly sharper and more solid than before, but when pressing on it's still not as nimble as an equivalent A3 or Golf despite a slicker gearchange and lighter, more user-friendly steering thanks to new electric power-assistance. However, its predecessor's occasional over-heaviness at low town speeds has, thankfully, gone.

While the difference between the vehicles isn't as pronounced as on the three- and five-door versions of the A3, the new 1-series is ideal for those wanting a sportier-looking car (although BMW still insists that the new three-door won't eventually spawn a hot M version). However, BMW claims the new three-door won't dramatically increase 1-series UK sales as a whole, reckoning on around 19,000 five-door sales and 4000 three-doors during 2007 (compared to 22,033 five-doors in 2006).

Despite the conservative claims, we think the new 1-series three-door will certainly widen the appeal of BMW's baby, but tackling the might of Audi's highly popular A3 might be a tougher task.

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