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Filmed by: Tomaž Kožar Jesenice
The 2011 BMW 1-Series ranks 4 out of 8 Upscale Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 47 published reviews and test drives of the BMW 1-Series, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2011 BMW 1-Series leads the upscale small car class when it comes to performance. Unfortunately, once you start adding options and features, it also leads the class when it comes to price.
Upscale small cars are niche vehicles, meant for buyers who don't need a lot of space or luxury, but who do want excellent driving dynamics and an upscale feel. For buyers with the cash to spend on a small coupe or convertible that drives like a sports car, reviewers say that the BMW 1-Series is an excellent choice.
While it's by no means practical, reviewers say the 1-Series lives up to the BMW name. The Washington Post says it's "the kind of car loved by people who love driving -- rear-wheel drive, diminutive yet gifted with power (in this case, 300 horsepower delivered by an inline six-cylinder engine) and wonderfully agile on surfaces such as Angola Road [in upstate New York], which twists, turns, dips, disappears and reappears around curves."
Once the focus is taken off performance, however, the 1-Series stumbles a bit. Reviewers complain about its cramped interior. Many also dislike the styling on the 1-Series, calling it misshapen and odd-looking. Its fuel economy isn't great for a small car, and while its base price is reasonable, it can quickly climb as you move up from the base trim and start adding options.
Other Cars to Consider
Despite praising its performance, not all reviewers are on board with the 1-Series. While the base models are affordable (for BMW), the best-performing higher trims rival the larger BMW 3-Series in price. Plus, reviewers say that the 3-Series is better looking and more comfortable. If you're comparing the 1-Series to other upscale small cars, it's a compelling choice. But, in the grand scheme of things, you may be able to get more space, better performance and slicker styling by going with the 3-Series.
If you're watching your budget, reviewers say that the Volkswagen GTI offers a combination of upscale amenities, thrilling performance and reasonable pricing (it starts at about $5,500 less than the 1-Series) that leads the class. Plus, the GTI is available with four passenger doors and a back seat that's useable -- a real contrast to the tiny space in the rear of the 1-Series. Reviewers also recommend the Audi A3 for its available all-wheel drive system and well-crafted interior. The A3 is even available with a diesel engine that gets excellent gas mileage.
Details: 2011 BMW 1-Series
The 2011 BMW 1-Series has two trims: the 128i and 135i. Both are available as either a coupe or a convertible. Both have a six-cylinder engine, but the 135i is turbocharged. For 2011, changes to the 1-Series are slight. The engine in the 135i has been retuned; while the horsepower rating is the same, it hits maximum power at a lower rpm. Also new for 2011 is an available dual-clutch automatic transmission for the 135i.The BMW 1-Series is an exceptional performer. Reviewers praise BMW for successfully transplanting the brand's DNA into the 1-Series. Edmunds says, "Under the hood are the same powerful engine choices as in the marque's more expensive and larger 3 Series." That said, beware of the 1-Series's fuel economy, which is well below the competition's. Read More
1-Series Exterior - 7.3 (Good)
Many reviewers describe the BMW 1-Series as a shrunken 3-Series, but as the Detroit News points out, "Shrinkage is not always good." The styling on the 1-Series remains a sore spot with reviewers. Read More
1-Series Interior - 6.8 (Mediocre)
The 1-Series is seriously lacking in rear-seat comfort, though it does have lots of room in the front seats, as well as high-quality materials and construction. Still, reviewers say that even by small car standards, the back seat is too tight. Read More
1-Series Safety - NA
The 2011 BMW 1-Series has not been crash tested by either the federal government or insurance industry, but does provide a comprehensive list of standard safety features. Read More
1-Series Reliability - NA
The BMW 1-Series comes with BMW's Ultimate Service Warranty for the first four years or 50,000 miles
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Fifth Gear - BMW 1 testby BmwAutoFan70,357 views
Bravo Tomaz, odlican auto, odlican video!
smileyzokov 8 months ago
@smileyzokov Hvala =)
avtomobili001 8 months ago