A new trend is seeing German automakers offering the public some exciting entry-level cars, and the ability to park a newer Benz, Audi or Bimmer in their driveways for less than ever before. Mercedes has their B200, Audi has the A3, and now, BMW's offering us the 1-Series.
The One
Not that the 3-Series could be accused of needing a diet, but the 1-Series comes off as a leaner, trimmed down version of its bigger brother. Family styling elements are all present- but applied to less of a span of sheet-metal. Attached to the tiny and sleek body, these visuals make the 1-Series look even more concentrated, condensed and energetic.
Selection has been condensed as well, and the 1 is only available in a coupe or cabriolet- not a wagon or sedan. Pros? Coupes and cabriolet's are sexy. Cons? Limited useful rear seat space and a small-ish trunk. If that Z4 proves too small or too expensive, the 128 might just be the ticket.
All BMW for the interior
Inside, the clean and well put together cabin presents a dark and focused driving environment. Switches and controls are all familiar, and the entire thing feels like it's been formed from single piece of solid concrete. The 1-Series's cabin is like slipping into a black leather jacket- not extremely exciting to look at, but timelessly stylish from a mere glance.
The tester came with push-button engine start, a sunroof, single CD player and manually adjustable heated seats. The front seating area is comfortable and roomy as far as many two-doors go, and the seats are easy to access and relax in. If you're sitting up front, you'll find the 128i feels larger than it looks.
One familiar complaint up here: the audio display screen completely blacks out when wearing polarized driving glasses.
The two back seats are more challenging to get into, though not uncomfortable once occupants settle. Rear passengers generally won't have to get up close and personal with their knees once seated, though they may complain on the way in and out.
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| Finally, BMW's offering us the 1-Series. |
The One
Not that the 3-Series could be accused of needing a diet, but the 1-Series comes off as a leaner, trimmed down version of its bigger brother. Family styling elements are all present- but applied to less of a span of sheet-metal. Attached to the tiny and sleek body, these visuals make the 1-Series look even more concentrated, condensed and energetic.
Selection has been condensed as well, and the 1 is only available in a coupe or cabriolet- not a wagon or sedan. Pros? Coupes and cabriolet's are sexy. Cons? Limited useful rear seat space and a small-ish trunk. If that Z4 proves too small or too expensive, the 128 might just be the ticket.
All BMW for the interior
Inside, the clean and well put together cabin presents a dark and focused driving environment. Switches and controls are all familiar, and the entire thing feels like it's been formed from single piece of solid concrete. The 1-Series's cabin is like slipping into a black leather jacket- not extremely exciting to look at, but timelessly stylish from a mere glance.
The tester came with push-button engine start, a sunroof, single CD player and manually adjustable heated seats. The front seating area is comfortable and roomy as far as many two-doors go, and the seats are easy to access and relax in. If you're sitting up front, you'll find the 128i feels larger than it looks.
One familiar complaint up here: the audio display screen completely blacks out when wearing polarized driving glasses.
The two back seats are more challenging to get into, though not uncomfortable once occupants settle. Rear passengers generally won't have to get up close and personal with their knees once seated, though they may complain on the way in and out.
 |
| The 1-Series's cabin is like slipping into a black leather jacket. |