BMW 1 Series - Used Car Review

The BMW 1 Series offers fun handling and efficient running - making it a very nice used car buy

Shifting the conversation to sedans - for those looking to find a gem among all the cars for sale in Cape Town or Gauteng - check out this great used car review of the stunning BMW 1 Series sedan.

As the only rear-wheel-drive model in the segment, this version of the 1 Series is great to drive. It’s also safe, beautifully built and comes with a big choice of efficient engines, so you’re not sacrificing performance in the quest for economy. It was a sales hit when new, though, so not very exclusive. Despite its ubiquity, the 1 Series isn’t the greatest bargain around because it was comparatively expensive when new, while steep running costs mean this isn’t a car to buy if you’re on a budget. The 1 Series is a premium product and while it’s not the best value in this class, there’s still plenty to like about it.

The 1 Series is the smallest conventional car BMW makes. It has been around since 2004, and has consistently delivered the kind of fun handling we're used to from BMW, courtesy of its rear-wheel-drive layout. This second-generation hatchback (known in-house as the F20, with three doors, and the F21, with five doors) was introduced in 2011, and while the 1 Series used to be offered in four body styles, the coupe and cabriolet versions were hived off to create the BMW 2 Series range. The F20 and F21 were replaced by the F40 series in 2019.

There are plenty of versions to choose from, with SE, Sport and M Sport trim levels making up the core of the range, plus a variety of economical or hugely powerful engines. As is tradition with BMW, different model numbers signify different engines, although some are simply different power outputs of the same unit.

The entry point to the range is the 100 kW 118i three-cylinder turbo petrol, while other petrol cars include the 135 kW 120i four-cylinder turbo and M140i hot hatchback, which has a 249 kW 3.0-litre straight-six and twin turbos. For diesels, there are 116d (1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with 85 kW), 118d and 120d versions. The latter uses the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit but with 105 kW and 140 kW respectively. A faster 125d with twin turbos and up to 164 kWwas also offered.

All cars come with a six-speed manual gearbox or optional eight-speed auto, except for the M140i, which has a seven-speed auto as standard. And while the rear-wheel-drive is the order of the day for the whole range, there is the option of xDrive four-wheel drive on the 120d auto.

Overall, the BMW 1 Series is a tempting choice when you look at the used cars available for sale in Cape Town. It appeals to driving enthusiasts thanks to its sporty handling – especially since its 2019 replacement has front- or four-wheel drive only – while BMW's quest for efficiency means all models, even the fastest M140i versions, are relatively economical to run. Passenger space is pretty good considering its sporty pretensions.


What are the alternatives?

The Audi A3 was the first model in the premium small hatch sector and it’s the 1 Series’ biggest rival, thanks to a range of versions, smart styling and excellent cabin – but it’s not as good to drive.

Find a BMW, Audi or other quality used sedan for sale at a top-notch preowned car dealer.

.

.

.

Found on Tenacious Used Cars

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

More Used Kia Rio Reviews From Owners

Image
When browsing for a great used car to buy - take some time to read the latest owner reviews about the Kia Rio for sale . This vehicle was the least expensive car for which I could fit. It drives like a small Audi. It is very comfortable for a big (tall and heavy) car fanatic. I’ve owned Lexus, Acura, Honda, GMC sedans and SUVs, Toyota, Volvo, VW and Chrysler, sedans a Miata and a Chevy Silverado. Never drawn to Ford's interior or driving dynamics, tried, but never took. This 2018 Kia Rio is worth more than I paid. If it is as reliable as the warranty suggests, it will be the best money I’ve ever spent. It gets hybrid-level gas mileage, it is fun to drive mostly due to the manual 6-speed. Handles like a much more expensive brand and very comfortable, secure handling. I can understand why Kia sells over 200,000 of these WW. As an Older lady, I took over a year looking @ all the compacts as loved my old dodge neon. I couldn't find anything as comfortable esp since almost all of th
Read more

BMW 1 Series - King Of Premium Hatches (2021 Model Review)

Image
A moment’s silence please, for the passing of the rear-wheel-drive BMW 1-series. But hang on a second, because does anyone actually care? Chances are if you’re into cars, then which axle is driven probably does matter, a bit . But it has been said, anecdotally and perhaps by driving enthusiasts peering down their noses, that many 1-series drivers were never really aware of their car’s sporting rear-drive credentials anyway. So BMW’s switch to FWD – and all-wheel-drive in the case of the M135i xDrive – for its latest premium hatchback isn’t as sacrilegious as it might sound. Despite the switch to FWD, BMW still markets the 1-series as a ‘sporty’ family hatch . And luckily for BMW, the rear-to-front switcheroo hasn’t diluted the formula. It’s still a cracking steer. Woah, before we get into pre-loaded anti-roll bars, let’s talk tech You’re as qualified as we are to judge the One’s styling, so we’ll save you a subjective critique on that rather fussy grille and skip straight to things l
Read more

A Little About The Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback

Image
  Both the saloon and a newly introduced  Chevrolet Cruze for sale  underwent changes to their fascias, including revisions to the dual-port grille, headlamps and front and rear bumpers. The 1.6-litre model rolls on a set of revised 16-inch alloy wheels while the diesel features 17-inch items. On the powerplant front, the 1,6-litre petrol engine now produces 91 kW (up from the previous car’s 80 kW) while the 2,0-litre diesel sees its outputs climb from 110 to 120 kW and 360 N.m of torque, up from the previous unit’s 320 N.m. The 1,8-litre petrol unit’s outputs remain unchanged at 104 kW and 176 N.m of torque. Both petrol units are coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox, while the diesel is offered with a choice of a six-speed manual for the LS model and a six-speed automatic transmission for the higher-spec LT. Among the standard features on the 1,6  base model   Cruze hatchback , are a Headlamp levelling system, ABS, dual front airbags, power steering, cruise control, multi-function
Read more