New BMW 1-series review, test drive

BMW 1-series promises to be a driver-focussed luxury hatchback. Will this approach work for the company?

Published on Oct 11, 2013 11:07:00 PM

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While purists may wax eloquent about BMW’s 50:50 weight balance and rear-wheel-drive configuration, it doesn’t require an expert to notice the benefits either. Driver involvement begins with the steering, which is light, bristling with feel and superbly weighted. If there’s one thing that’s missing, it’s the zero slack around the straight-ahead position that previous BMWs were known for. However, with this latest-generation electromechanical steering, BMW has cracked it.

The 1-series turns into corners quite enthusiastically, and though there is some body roll, there’s superb grip all round, which tempts you to press on harder. At the limit, the 1-series strongly understeers, which maybe a disappointment for enthusiasts, but with the DSC completely switched off (recommended only on a deserted road), it’s possible to balance the car with the throttle and even indulge in power oversteer antics.

The biggest revelation though is the ride quality, which, even on Mumbai’s worst roads, is surprisingly pliant. The fact that BMW achieved a comfortable ride on the usually ride-corrupting run-flat tyres makes it all the more impressive. Sharp edges and shallow potholes are nicely rounded off and its only deep craters that crash with the suspension using up all of its limited travel.

At high speeds, the 1-series feels rock steady, but on bumpy roads, the ride isn’t very flat. And because of the softly sprung suspension, there’s a fair bit of vertical movement too. However, it’s never uncomfortable or disconcerting and you always feel fully in command.