Less than four years ago BMW shocked observers with the release of the 1 Series, a compact hatchback as unlike a typical BMW product as had been the X5 SUV a few years before.
Yes the new car had a BMW-like price, and a handling-friendly rear-wheel-drive layout, but that also meant it needed a tunnel running through the cabin for the propshaft, and in such a small car that translated to less than generous room in the back.
Seasoned observers wondered whether the men from Munich had finally taken a wrong turn.
The success of the X5 - which became and has remained a best-seller - should have provided a clue to just how well this latest BMW would do.
The 1 Series has of course proven every bit the success its creators knew it would be, bringing a whole new swathe of owners into the BMW family. And the 1 Series family has grown, the five-door gaining more engine choices, then a three-door sister, and most recently a seriously attractive coupe version.
Now there’s another 1 Series shape heading for showrooms, the one we all knew would eventually arrive. When the concept for the car was originally unveiled at motor shows back in 2002, it was in convertible form.
Now the drop-top is a production model and bound to be a hit, especially in the UK because we Brits love to get our roof off. More importantly, however, this BMW is the best sort of drop-top.
To explain - the 1 Series Convertible was launched to the media in Spain, at a joint event alongside the awesomely powerful M3 saloon.
More than one journalist on the event decided that while the M3 had no shortage of propulsion under the right foot, the 1 Series was simply more fun, with enough power, excellent handling and a serious smile factor - elements that have made Mazda’s MX-5 such an icon…
That power comes courtesy of four petrol engine options ranging from 143 to more than 300 horses, with perhaps the most impressive combination being the 125i, which boasts a lightweight six-cylinder petrol unit of 218bhp.
This makes it good for a sub-seven-second 60mph sprint time while also returning fuel economy close to 35mpg.
There is also a very torquey 120d diesel of 177bhp which offers CO2 emissions of 134g/km and stretches each gallon towards 55 miles. Okay that 60mph sprint takes closer to eight seconds, but it still puts the smile on one’s face. Fun and frugal? Surely not…
In fact the latest 1 Series is a prime candidate for BMW’s ‘Efficient Dynamics’ programme designed to improve the cars’ environmental credentials. All the cars in the Convertible line-up boast various elements of the programme including such niceties as lightweight materials and even a system to make use of the surplus energy generated under braking.
What, however, about that roof? Well the first thing to note is that it is fabric, the design team resisting the temptation to go the folding-metal coupŽ-cabriolet route. Topping the many reasons is space - a fabric roof takes up far less bootspace than does a metal one. It also looks better, folding neatly on to the back to maintain an appearance described by BMW’s designers as rather like a classy speedboat.
Other praiseworthy aspects of this roof include the way it can be retracted, or erected, in about 22 seconds and at speeds up to 31mph. In this car you won’t be caught out by a sudden rain shower.
The Convertible might have lost its top, but it has lost none of the handling prowess that has contributed so much to the success of the 1 Series.
Negotiating rapid sequences of twisty bends proved a highly enjoyable experience, especially with roof down and wind in the hair, the chassis taut, placeable and with plenty of power on tap. In fact this correspondent hasn’t had so much fun in a convertible since - well the last time he drove a Mazda MX-5…
Of course the 1 Series Convertible will cost you somewhat more than a Mazda MX-5, prices ranging from £22,335 to £32,415. But then it is a BMW - a great fun BMW…
By Andrew Charman
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