BMW 1-Series Hatchback (2011 - 2019) M140i Shadow Edition Sport Automatic 5d Owner Review

This car is a performance bargain, with an amazing 6-cyl engine, and a superb 8-speed automatic that has me fully converted from manual. Offers most of the fun of an M2/M3/M4 at half the price - what’s not to like? Not quite as razor sharp as a full fat M car, but you can’t really use that performance/handling on the road anyway. Thrills and spills for a spirited weekend road trip, but go easy and it’s as docile as any other hatchback for the school run. As a 5 door it’s pretty much as practical as any other hatchback, boot is decent, and roof rack adds to storage capacity for longer trips. Comfortable and well-equipped, and with iDrive doesn’t have the infuriating (and borderline dangerous) all touchscreen infotainment many other makers are forcing on us (VW group!). My only gripe there is that it nearly always reverts to the first track in my music library when I start up - meaning I now HATE that song! Seats are supportive, comfortable and can be adjusted nice and low, although it’s easy to get any preferred driving position with plenty of adjustments on seat and steering wheel. Just wish BMW used a wheel rather than a lever with fixed positions for the seat back. Of course if you like your legs stretched out there won’t be much legroom in the back. Works well for my son though, and the odd rear adult passenger on short trips. Interior quality is good, plenty of storage inside, plus in the boot a netted cubby for small items, and best of all, hooks built into either side of the parcel shelf to hold shopping bags upright. Why don’t more cars have this?!? I bought the car pre-registered with delivery mileage, at £8k less than the book price. Then in 2 years it’s probably lost £6-8k - not bad for a 360hp mega hatch...still think that PCP deal is worth it?