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1 Series Hatchback
Like most BMWs, the 1 Series has an excellent driving position, with a wide range of adjustment. It's a shame that BMW persists with a fiddly system of pulling a lever and shifting your weight to alter the height or angle of the seat, however. The dash is refreshingly simple, although the optional sat-nav system brings BMW's iDrive control system, which some may find fussy.
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Running Costs
The 1 Series is expensive to buy, but the allure of the BMW badge means that it has stronger residual values than many other small hatches. Running costs are lower than average, too, thanks to BMW's 'Efficient Dynamics' technology. On all versions, fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions are among the best in the class.
1 Series Coupe
There's plenty of head- and legroom up front, and even the lankiest driver will have no problem finding a perfect driving position. There's a wide range of steering wheel and seating adjustments, but if you don't specify electrically adjustable seats, you'll need to pull on levers and simultaneously shift your weight to get the seat to move up and down, and back and forth.
Running Costs
It's a BMW, so residual values should be strong. Because of the latest direct fuel injection and stop-start technology, the 120d will return 58.9mpg on average. If that's not enough to put a smile on the face of your bank manager, how about a C02 rating of just 128g/km, which places the 120d into the lowest 18% tax band for diesel cars.
1 Series Convertible
The 1 Series’ driver’s seat is a good place to be, with a simple dash and an excellent driving position. Even the lankiest driver will be able to get comfy, thanks to a wide range of steering wheel and seating adjustment. If you don't specify electrically adjustable seats, however, you'll need to pull on levers and shift your weight to adjust their height and angle.
Running Costs
Prices are high for such a compact car, but BMW convertibles hold their value well. Fuel economy and CO2 emissions are competitive across the range, but six-cylinder models won’t be cheap to run. The 120d, on the other hand, makes lots of financial sense, with average fuel economy of 55.4mpg and CO2 emissions of just 134g km.