Is the BMW 1 Series good for new drivers?
Is the BMW 1 Series good for new drivers?
By Ané Theron
Most of us start our driving careers with a high mileage hand-me-down from an older sibling, so if you can have a BMW 1 Series as your first car, you're very lucky indeed. Here's why.
The BMW 1 Series is everything you want in a first car. For starters, it's a BMW, and being a car of this ilk, you can rest assured that it will be reliable, safe, and will add some streed-cred or glamour to your life. it's also a fun car to drive on a daily basis.
Pricing
The BMW 118i is the entry-level model, with a manual gearbox and a starting price of R446 980. Yes, that is indeed steep for a starter car. But if Dad has money to burn, why not..?
Power & efficiency
The 118i has a 3-cylinder, 1.5-litre, turbo-petrol underneath its attractive bonnet, capable of 100kW and 220 Nm. While BMW states that its average consumption is only 5.3 litres per 100 km, we can assure you that it will be higher, unless you drive super sedately, and no-one under the age of 35 is going to drive a 1 Series slowly (expect 7 litres per 100 km to be safe).
Its top speed is 210 km per hour, so if you're young and full of testosterone, chances are that you will be gunning it at every opportunity. This model has a manual gearbox which means you can squeeze every ounce of power from its engine, and it's rear-wheel-driven for your driving pleasure.
Safety
Safety wise, your parents can sleep soundly knowing that you have ABS with EBD as well as brake assist, stability control, and six airbags to keep you and your best friends safe. Cruise control with a brake function, navigation and voice control are also standard features. The side mirrors are electrically adjustable and the rain-sensing windscreen wipers come standard, as does a tyre pressure sensor.
On the comfort and convenience side of things, the 1 Series is equipped with an advanced and user-friendly controls interface screen, controller dial, Bluetooth, and AUX/USB inputs. You can also control functions and settings via the satellite buttons on the steering wheel.
Expensive optional extras
The downside to this 1 Series is that there's a lot of specifications you might want that's going to cost a whole lot extra, such as park distance control, park assist, and leather seats. At this price point you almost expect leather seats, even if it's man-made leather.
Warranty & service plan
The BMW 1 Series has a 2-year/unlimited km warranty with a 5-year 100 000km maintenance plan as standard, which is pretty good. It needs to be serviced every 20 000 km.
Being a premium German hatch, you can also be assured of good resale value when the time comes to sell it on, if you looked after it well. Perhaps Dad should invest in that park distance control after all...
If you're serious about buying a BMW 1 Series, do watch our BMW 1 Series video review here.
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