BMW 1-series Convertible: Test Drive (continued)

Date: 19 March 2008   |   Author:

dash	Category: Sports Prices: £22,235-£32,415 Key rival: Audi A3 Cabriolet

At motorway speed, the 1-series Convertible is surprisingly susceptible to wind noise with the roof up, but not too blustery roof-down as long as the £220 optional wind deflector is in place. There's also more vibration through the cabin than might be expected from a premium soft-top, though it was more noticeable in the 120i than the 125.

However, the core 1-series qualities of great steering and handling are still present, even if the chassis feels a touch softer courtesy of the stiffness lost when the roof is chopped. It also inherits the 1-series ride quality issue, handling less than good good surfaces poorly.

In price terms, the obvious comparison is with the 2.0-litre 200PS Audi A3 Cabriolet, which comes in at just over £400 cheaper, a difference that's wiped out by the BMW's better predicted depreciation, according to Emmox Carcost. Minimum boot space is an identical 260 litres for both cars, the BMW's roof operates at up to 31mph compared with Audi's 19mph, and the A3 folds in nine seconds while the BMW's more complex system takes 22.

The other alternative is the larger but cheaper VW Eos, which comes out best on costs thanks to its low P11D. However, choosing the BMW or the Audi makes sense for anyone remotely badge-conscious, and both are better cars to be honest. The 1-series cabrio is a grower, and certainly beats the Audi for looks with the roof up (though roof down it's a matter of opinion). Both are equally good.

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