BMW 120i 2008 Review

Droptop buyers on a budget can at last put BMW on their shopping list.

Instead of settling for a convertible Ford Focus, or Holden Astra, or Volkswagen Eos, they can buy a badge to set them apart from the crowd.

In a segment in which style usually triumphs over substance, BMW has given its rivals something to think about. The pricing and standard equipment on the entry-level 120i makes it a genuine option for many buyers in the market for a small luxury convertible.

BMW has a long history of compact convertibles, most recently with the 3 Series, but that car has grown up and left a hole in the range, a hole filled by the 1 Series Convertible, which joins a growing crowd in the compact convertible market.

And it does even more that than, breaking new ground for the German luxury brand.

PRICING AND EQUIPMENT

With the entry-level 120i available at $52,990, BMW says it will open the door for a new breed of buyers.

The 120i stacks up well on price and equipment against such cars as the Astra, Focus, Eos and Audi's forthcoming A3 Cabriolet.

Standard features include leather seats, fully automatic roof, 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, leather sports steering wheel, cruise control, climate control airconditioning, Bluetooth and iPod/MP3 input for the stereo plus all the usual safety features (anti-skid brakes, traction control and electronic stability control).

But, as is typical of BMW, the options list is long and expensive. For example, metallic paint will cost an extra $1600.

If you have more money to play with, BMW caters for that, too, with the six-cylinder 125i and 135i.

The 125i starts at $63,400 and the twin-turbo 135i at $78,400, both with six-speed manual as standard.

STYLING

While the 120i is strong on value that isn't to suggest the 1 Series Convertible lacks any style.

The topless version is arguably the best looker in the 1 Series range. For the first time the car's long bonnet is balanced by a long tail, leaving the car well proportioned.

MARKET

The biggest danger the car poses for BMW is damaging the brand's image of exclusivity. The company has to walk a fine line between retaining its image and increasing sales volume.

BMW is planning for 700 convertible sales to add to the 500 coupes and 1700 hatches.

“We're expecting a younger market, a conquest market and a strong female market,” says Ryan.

The 120i is expected to make up the bulk of the sales, with 150 already ordered by dealers, but Ryan says it will be hard to judge how popular the six-cylinders will be.

“The segment is going to get competitive,” he says.

ON THE ROAD

In a segment where good looks are usually the most important feature, the 1 Series is a refreshing driving experience.

Sticking with the BMW ethos, the car is rear-wheel drive, giving it a huge dynamic advantage over the opposition.

Even though no 135i was on offer at the launch, our time in the 120i and 125i was enough to leave a good impression.

Early reports suggesting Australia wouldn't get the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine proved wrong and the 1 Series convertible is all the better for it.

Not only does the 120i help the car's price, it's a really fun car.

It may need plenty of revs to find its real performance, but the car is happy to live above 5000 revs, making a great sound while it's there. The six-speed manual gearbox is a good unit and well-suited to the engine.

The only downside to the 120i is the suspension.

The smaller engine changes the settings and the ride is harsher than in the six-cylinder 125i.

In contrast, the 125i was supple on the bumpy country road on which we tested it and felt sure-footed when driven hard.

In fact, both variants felt like serious driving machines when pushed, rather than flashy boulevard cruisers, testament to the emphasis the company puts on driving dynamics.

By making the car an entertaining drive the 1 Series will cater to a wider audience.

That means in addition to Astra, Eos, A3 and the Peugeot 307CC, the 1 Series should be considered by those looking at a Mazda MX-5 or Nissan 350Z Roadster.

VERDICT: 8.5/10

BMW 1 Series convertible

Price: From $52,900 (120i), $63,400 (125i), $78,400 (135i)

On sale: May

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol, 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol, twin-turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol

Power: 115kW at 6400 revs, 160kW at 6100 revs, 225kW at 5800 revs

Torque: 200Nm at 3600 revs, 270Nm at 2500 revs, 400Nm at 1300 revs

Transmission: Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive

Economy: 8.1l/100km, 9.1l/100km, 9.8l/100km on combined cycle