What is it?
The 1 Series that we've all been waiting for. The original concept for the 1 Series was shown as a convertible, but it's taken BMW ages to actually get around to offering it on the price lists. It's the fourth model in the 1 Series range, joining the recently introduced Coupé and three-door, which add some depth to the original five-door range. It's arguably the best looking of the line-up too, taking the Coupé's boot, lopping off the roof and replacing it with canvas. Yep, it's a proper rag-top, not a folding hardtop like its 3 Series relative. It's heavier than the Coupé by around 120kg - the additional stiffening required adding the bulk. It'll be offered with the usual 1 Series engine line up - including diesels - all engines in the range benefiting from economy and CO2 reducing EfficientDynamics technology.
Is it any good?
Yes, it's a very impressive car all round. Despite the addition of weight BMW has retained the 1 Series' 50/50 weight distribution, making it a very balanced car to drive. The badge on the back of this car might say 125i, but it's actually powered by a straight-six unit of 3.0-litres. It's a beautifully smooth engine too, revving all the way to its limiter without becoming raucous. Indeed, it delivers a rousing engine note that's enjoyed all the better due to the loss of its roof. Removing it has had little noticeable effect on the car's stiffness, there being no real body shake. The only by-product - and a welcome one at that - being the Convertible's more compliant ride than its fixed roof relatives.
BMW claims you'll get two people in the back, but they'd need to be tiny, flexible and sitting behind similarly vertically challenged front seat passengers to ever get close to comfortable. The rear seat is better used as additional luggage space then - though it's likely you'll not need it as the boot is actually pretty generously proportioned for a convertible. The steering is crisp and well weighted, the gearshift in typical fashion working beautifully when pushed, and needing care when not in such a hurry to remain smooth, the 125i engine needing working pretty hard to provide the sort of pace you'd expect given its 214bhp. We think it's also one of the best looking models in the 1 Series range, its proportions working well roof up or down.
Should I call the bank manager?
You'll need to, the 125i M Sport Convertible costing a not insignificant £28,000. That's before you start dipping into the options list too, pushing it right up into the prices you'll pay for a 3 Series Convertible - albeit with a smaller engine. A 2.0T Audi TT Roadster is similar money too, and beats (just) the 125i Convertible's 6.8 second 0-62mph time. However, the 1 Series Convertible is a nice looking car, and should hold its value pretty well. Those EfficientDynamics additions mean that running it shouldn't be too expensive either, it managing 34.9mpg on the combined consumption cycle and emitting 195g/km of CO2.
Summary
BMW might have taken a while to produce a drop-top 1 Series but it's saved the best until last. Good looking, a decent drive and a wonderful soundtrack make this a desirable compact convertible.
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