BMW 1-Series Hatchback (2011 - 2019) 120d M Sport 5d (2013/13) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I like a driver's car, not just an A-B runabout! And that I like a car with a mix of performance and class!

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They all like it - they've commented that it's smart and looks classy. Those who have driven it have said how well it performs and most passengers have been comfortable, although rear leg room isn't exactly plentiful.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, without a doubt. Great build quality, frugal economy, looks epic and goes like a rocket!

What are you likely to buy next?

Possibly a BMW 530d MSport ...or maybe even an M3/M5 if I'm lucky!!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£20,700

When did you buy the car?

April 2014

Did you get a good deal and why?

It was 7 months old, had only 2100 miles on the clock and was highly spec'd (apart from lacking sat nav) so a bargain at the price.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I always had hot hatches and changed to a BMW 318i for practicality (small family - 2 adults and a new baby!) . However, although it drove nicely, it lacked torque and was quite dull which led me to shopping around. Went for the 120d as it was a perfect mix of economy, practicality and decent performance! ...And I've never looked back!

What was the dealer like?

Very good. Not too pushy but quite straight talking. The car was already a great price so they didn't reduce it any but they gave me a good price for my part-ex.

What's it like to drive?

Excellent. In town it's easy to manoeuvre with light steering. On the open road, the chassis proves to be great - the car is very stable and planted both at low and higher speeds, on straights or through bends. Very good in the wet and exceptional in the dry. The steering gives good feedback. Despite handling being so good, comfort doesn't suffer. The MSport seats are comfy but very supportive and hold you in well. Very good in gear acceleration due to good level of torque from the twin turbo Diesel engine and the brakes are well up to scratch. All in all, a great drive - and a great 'driver's car'!

What's it like to park?

Quite easy. The car has good visibility and the addition of parking sensors helps those less confident. The bonnet is quite long and the front slopes down and out of view, which can be quite deceiving for some - with practice though, it doesn't present too much of an issue.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The indicator repeater in the mirror stopped working but it was replaced under warranty with no quibbles. It's been excellent so far!

What's most practical about your car?

I love the dipping near side mirror when selecting reverse gear (selectable) in order to help you see the distance to the kerb. Decent boot space. Best of all though has to be the economy - it never returns less than 50mpg, and I don't hang about!!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Bluetooth telephone prep is very beneficial, as is the cruise control which is easy to use. Selective driving modes are also very useful. But my favourite thing about the car has to be the adaptive xenon lights... practical and look epic! They really set the car apart from the others!