BMW-style cockpit
Access to the driver seat is easy. The dashboard, in typical BMW style, is dark. However, the black-faced gauges with white digits are easy to read. The color scheme applied to the seats and door panels impressed me even more: a rich, tasteful red with black inserts.
The front seats are pleasantly supportive, regardless of your body size. While the A-pillars slightly impede forward visibility, blind spots on each side are very limited.
As for storage, well, there's not much to write about. A couple of maps, water bottles and other tiny items like a cell phone or a iPod sum up the interior cargo capacity of the 1-Series. Sitting in the driver's seat, my colleagues and I complained about the center compartment: if you're smaller than most, your right elbow is likely to bang against it while shifting from first to second. Taller drivers won't have this problem, though.
2+2
Rear seat access requires some contortions. The comfort level back there is decent... provided that you're a young children or that the drive isn't too long. BMW is fully aware of the limited rear passenger compartment; however, engineers are quick to remind you that the 1-Series is a 2+2 car and that the trunk is large enough to accommodate a week's worth of grocery bags or vacation gear for two. A pass-through for skis is also included.
The climate control system and the stereo both live up to the brand's reputation in terms of quality and functionality. The controls require some getting used to before their manipulation becomes second nature.
Technical homogeneity
The 3.0L 6-cylinder engine mated to the 6-speed manual transmission proves to be an excellent choice. Fast and flexible, this combo embodies the legendary motoring expertise of BMW. There's nothing really new here -- just good components that have been made better. With 230 horsepower on tap, you'll have no problem getting out of tough spots and passing slower vehicles (0 to 100 kph in less than 7 seconds).
Meanwhile, the 5-speed automatic transmission is pretty resourceful by modern standards, whether you select the manual or auto mode. The powertrain is so flexible, making shifts a breeze. What's more, fuel economy is quite reasonable for such a powerful 3.0-liter mill: 11-12 L/100 km. In normal driving conditions, it's entirely possible to achieve a lower average.
Access to the driver seat is easy. The dashboard, in typical BMW style, is dark. However, the black-faced gauges with white digits are easy to read. The color scheme applied to the seats and door panels impressed me even more: a rich, tasteful red with black inserts.
The front seats are pleasantly supportive, regardless of your body size. While the A-pillars slightly impede forward visibility, blind spots on each side are very limited.
 |
| The seats offer good comfort and support is greatly appreciated. |
As for storage, well, there's not much to write about. A couple of maps, water bottles and other tiny items like a cell phone or a iPod sum up the interior cargo capacity of the 1-Series. Sitting in the driver's seat, my colleagues and I complained about the center compartment: if you're smaller than most, your right elbow is likely to bang against it while shifting from first to second. Taller drivers won't have this problem, though.
2+2
Rear seat access requires some contortions. The comfort level back there is decent... provided that you're a young children or that the drive isn't too long. BMW is fully aware of the limited rear passenger compartment; however, engineers are quick to remind you that the 1-Series is a 2+2 car and that the trunk is large enough to accommodate a week's worth of grocery bags or vacation gear for two. A pass-through for skis is also included.
The climate control system and the stereo both live up to the brand's reputation in terms of quality and functionality. The controls require some getting used to before their manipulation becomes second nature.
Technical homogeneity
The 3.0L 6-cylinder engine mated to the 6-speed manual transmission proves to be an excellent choice. Fast and flexible, this combo embodies the legendary motoring expertise of BMW. There's nothing really new here -- just good components that have been made better. With 230 horsepower on tap, you'll have no problem getting out of tough spots and passing slower vehicles (0 to 100 kph in less than 7 seconds).
Meanwhile, the 5-speed automatic transmission is pretty resourceful by modern standards, whether you select the manual or auto mode. The powertrain is so flexible, making shifts a breeze. What's more, fuel economy is quite reasonable for such a powerful 3.0-liter mill: 11-12 L/100 km. In normal driving conditions, it's entirely possible to achieve a lower average.
 |
| Whether you choose a manual or automatic gearbox, you will not be disappointed. |