BMW 1 Series

The BMW 1 Series cars are priced between the Nini and BMW's E90 series, and are the only cars in their class to be rear-wheel drive. First released in 2004, the 1 Series ranges from an economical 1.6-litre, 4 cylinder engine, right up to the massive power train of the 3-litre, twin-turbo model, which boasts a 7-speed dual clutch. The 'dual' refers to the fact that, as you are changing up gears, the car is already thinking ahead and has the next gear change programmed in. This makes moving up and down through the gears easier, faster, and smoother, with no loss of power on gear changeover. Lower down the range, the gearbox was either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. The 1 Series also has diesel engines in 2.0-litre, as well as 2.0-litre with a twin-turbo fitted. It also shares many of the award-winning features of the much-acclaimed 3 Series, in its chassis, power train, hardware, and electrical systems, so buyers can be totally confident that the vehicle's subsystems are proven winners. The original 1 Series was available in a five-door hatchback configuration, but from 2007, a three-door version went on sale, proving popular particularly in the US market; so popular, in fact, that it overtook the Lexus as the top luxury brand. The 1 Series is great fun to drive, with the kind of handling you'd expect from a BMW; coupled with the lavish and detailed interior, it makes a worthy opponent to the VW Golf and other marques of this class. With its distinctive front and rear ends, the 1 Series instantly stands out as a BMW and handles superbly whether in the city, on the open road, or on the motorway.