New BMW 1-Series Convertible review

Depending on the engine size option chosen the BMW 1 Series Convertible is available with ES, SE and M Sport levels of specification plus a whole host of other extras cost options. Prices start at £22,335 for the 118i ES and rise to £32,415 for the 135i M Sport variant.

Air conditioning is standard on all models as are electric windows, alloy wheels and automatic headlights and wipers. The electric-powered convertible roof is available in classic black, beige or, as a world first, an innovative anthracite silver fleck; a fabric material interwoven with fine shiny metallic fibres.

All BMW 1 Series Convertibles have six airbags as standard – two dual stage front airbags, two side airbags and two head airbags. Brake Force Display on the rear lights highlights any emergency braking to following traffic. Run-flat tyres provide stability in the event of a sudden deflation, support weight distribution, free up storage space and avoid the need for a spare wheel. The car’s Tyre Puncture Warning System gives the driver an early indication of any loss of tyre pressure.

Stability control

Dynamic Stability Control is standard on the 1 Series Convertible and acts as an electronic safety blanket for the driver. A further function of DSC is Dynamic Traction Control (DTC). When activated by a button on the dashboard it permits a greater degree of wheelslip for more spirited driving. DTC also allows for a degree of forward motion with limited wheel spin on slippery surfaces such as snow and ice. In these situations, the near instantaneous interruption of full traction control would prevent the car from pulling away. DSC can be completely disengaged should the driver so choose.

This week the UK’s motoring press had their first chance to put two of the new 1 Series Convertible models through their paces in the sunnier climate of Southern Spain, far better for roof-down motoring than gale-swept Great Britain.

Engines

In tandem with the delivery schedule of models to the UK, we were able to try two petrol versions, the four-cylinder, 170hp, 120i unit and the six-cylinder, 218hp 125i version both used in conjunction with slick six-speed manual transmissions.

Currently the most sensible engine option is the 2.0-litre 120i with 170hp and 210Nm of torque. This provides for a top speed of 137mph and 0-62mph is covered in 8.4 seconds. Average fuel economy is officially 42.8mpg but our test car returned 26.6mpg using typical town and country roads. Emissions are 158g/km which as of 1 April now means a road tax bill of £145 a year due to the new Budget VED rating putting it in Band G.

This unit is a lively yet refined powerplant, ideal for this size of convertible and for most people the ideal choice. Those customers with a smaller budget will opt for the 118i and for higher mileage business users the only model that makes sense will be the 120d diesel which returns 55mpg with a road tax bill of £120 a year.

3.0-litre V6

We also had the opportunity to try the new to the range 3.0-litre, six-cylinder 125i unit with 218hp and 270Nm of torque. This gives the Convertible a top speed of 148mph and 0-62mph takes 6.8 seconds. Fuel economy is officially 34.9mpg but 23.5mpg was returned during our 100 mile test over ‘interesting’ mountain roads in Southern Spain. CO2 emissions are 196g/km which means a new VED Band J rating costing £210 a year.

This engine loves to be driven hard. It thrives on high revs. Drive it lower down the rev range and it feels short of traditional six-cylinder ‘grunt’ so drive it hard. If sporty driving is your style this is the best engine for you without committing running-cost suicide by going for the twin turbocharged 135i petrol engine.

Solid roof

Whichever engine is chosen the move from the 1 Series having a solid roof to a Convertible has been done well. Sometimes when this conversion in design is done the Convertible suffers in the handling department due to the lack of torsional rigidity. Yes there is some ‘scuttle shake’ or body wobble if you hit a bump or pothole hard at speed.

But that is a rare occurrence as the suspension has been set on the softer side to absorb the bumps better giving a more controlled and less harsh ride. The handling is not as pin-sharp as the 1 Series Hatchback or Coupe models and the steering lacks feedback and I think BMW see their latest Convertible appealing more for its looks, style and compact size rather than having sporty aspirations.

By choosing an M Sport derivative the 1 Series Convertible customers can always add back in a firm ride and better driving dynamics.

MILESTONES

BMW 120i SE Convertible

Price: £25,215

Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol 170hp, 210Nm at 4,250rpm

Performance: 137mph, 0-62mph 8.4 seconds, 42.8mpg (26.6mpg actual), CO2 158g/km, VED new Group G £145 a year

Dimensions: 4,360mm long, 1,1748mm wide, 1,411mm high.

For: Classy looks, high quality, nice cabin layout, low wind noise roof up or down, comfortable for front seat occupants, compact size but still seats four people (just)

Against: Pricey as standard and must-have options make it more expensive, limited rear seat room for adults, steep rear seat back angle is uncomfortable, no needle sharp handling

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