It’s clear from the outset that while the 1-series has been on sale as a hatchback for over four years, this convertible is no afterthought. While an Audi A3 cabriolet looks remarkably like a guillotined A3 hatch, the 1-series convertible looks like a purpose-built sports car, and is all the better for it. Indeed, to our eyes at least it is by far the prettiest (or, we should say, least ugly) of all 1-series derivatives.
You can choose a power output all the way from 143bhp to 306bhp in the range, although BMW’s initial expectations were for this 168bhp 2.0-litre version to make up the bulk of sales. As orders have started to flow, however, the company has been surprised by the strong demand for the diesel 120d version. But then the 120d is more powerful, quicker and more frugal than the 120i and has lower CO2 emissions and potentially better residuals, all for a premium of just £805.
Still, seen in isolation at least, there seems little to criticise about a 2.0-litre engine producing 168bhp at 6700rpm, while the 120i’s torque peak of 155lb ft at a reasonable 4250rpm is similarly at the upper end of reasonable expectation.
Even so, that’s not a huge amount of clout to propel a car weighing over 1.5 tonnes – a steep premium of 140kg over a three-door 120i hatchback and only a few kilos less than the weight of a tin-topped Volkswagen Eos.
Looking after affairs in the corners, as in other 1-series derivatives, is BMW’s well proven system of MacPherson strut-type front suspension and a five-link axle at the rear.