BMW 1 Series Cabriolet

Adrian Hearn takes The 1 Series Convertible for a spin which makes up BMW's entry-level range alongside the Coupe and standard hatch. Unlike its rivals, the Beemer is rear-wheel drive – offering a little more kudos for those seeking a traditional sports car-orientated feel.

The current range of BMWs seem to be provoking quite a reaction in the style stakes, but with the arrival of the new 1 Series Convertible, we think most people will agree that you can leave that argument behind.

While some have accused the standard 1 Series of being fairly bland looking, that's not an accusation you can level at the Coupe. With its sleek and aggressive lines, it certainly stands out from the crowd, but the convertible takes things a step further!

It may look like the Coupe with the roof up, but drop the roof down and the 1 Series cabrio starts to look pretty mean. What's more, with the 17-inch alloys wheels fitted to our M Sport version, it starts moving into the child scaring stakes!

Cabin fever

BMW traditionally keep things quite neutral with interiors and the 1 Series Convertible is no different. The front of the cabin consists of dark plastics with a nice feel while the door trim on our model was part black, part cream.

The cream leather seats were a £970 option and provided plenty of support for a car with such a firm ride. Overall, the 1 Series is a very classy place to sit.

For a convertible, the 1 Series is very impressive. It's only a four-seat car but it will seat four adults fairly comfortably in the sculpted seats. With the roof up all-round vision isn't the best with the rear three quarters of the roof a hindrance.

The fabric roof opens or closes in a smooth motion in just 22 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph. With the roof up, the boot has a capacity of 305-litres which reduces to 260-litres when it becomes a convertible.

One annoyance was that something in the boot had moved the pocket which the roofs folds into very slightly. This meant the roof wouldn't open and it didn't explain why. This was infuriating and it took a while to figure out such a small problem.

Let me ride

BMWs have a notoriously firm ride and the model we tested, thanks to the M Sport suspension, was no different. On smooth roads, the 1 Series is brilliant but go over a speed bump and you feel it. On the same note, when it comes to cornering, there's near non-existent bodyroll and no scuttle shake when the roof is down.

Steering is sharp and poised with plenty of feel. Plus it's a rear-wheel drive model so if you turn the traction control off, you can get a bit of tail-out action, but only in safe surroundings.

The model we tested had a 2-litre diesel engine which develops 204bhp and 295lb/ft of pulling power. And wow, this is a fantastic engine which helps accelerate the Convertible from 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 143mph. There is so much torque that the 1 Series is effortless at overtaking. The six-speed gearbox is slick and the clutch well weighted.

However, at low speeds it does still give a whiff of a tractor sound.

There really is something for everyone here with engines ranging from a 1.8-litre petrol which will accelerate from 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds and hit 130mph and the range-topping 135i M Sport. The latter, courtesy of a 302bhp engine will accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 155mph.

Eco-nomics

Considering the 123d's power and performance you could be forgiven for thinking it will be quite thirsty but BMW claims it will average a fantastic 52.3mpg.

Unfotunately, You'll find it impossible to come close to that. After 500-plus miles, mainly on A-roads, we were averaging 41.5mpg. Carbon dioxide emissions of 144g/km are very impressive meaning an annual road tax bill of £125.

The 1 Series Convertible hasn't been EuroNCAP crash tested but BMW has a good reputation for safety and has fitted it with six airbags, stability control and traction control. In the event of the car rolling, metal bars will pop up from behind the back seats to provide protection.

Extras, extras!

Standard equipment includes CD player with steering wheel controls, electric windows, onboard trip computer, air-conditioning and alarm and immobiliser. All leather seats (a £970 option) feature SunReflective technology which keeps the surface temperature up to 20 degrees centigrade lower than a normally upholstered seat. As usual, you can spec until your hearts content with optional extras including cruise control (£180), xenon headlights (£620), heated front seats (£245).

The BMW 1 Series Convertible is a stunning looking car, but offers so much more too. The handling is astounding for a cabriolet and while there's absolutely nothing wrong with the 2-litre diesel, there's a brilliant range of engines to choose from too.

Looks wise, it's well proportioned and arguably the best looking cabrio BMW make today, so all in all the 1 Series has a hell of a lot going for it.

Add all that up and you're looking at an amazing and let's be honest, unexpected, hair-in-the-air experience.

Specifications

• Model tested: BMW 123d M Sport Convertible
• Price: £29,395
• Insurance group: 17
• Top speed: 143mph
• 0-62mph: 7.5 secs
• Engine: 2-litre diesel
• Power: 204bhp
• Torque: 295lb/ft