Had a test drive the other weekend of two 1 series BMWs and to be honest was left disappointed.

First off they let us have the 116i in SE trim and slow doesn't start to describe it. It did handle fabulously as you'd expect but you couldn't drive it in a way to feel the best from it.

We quickly returned this model and the salesman kindly gave us the 120d in sport trim with the M pack which at around 22k was a bit much. The view from inside was poor with the car having thick A, B and C pillars but also small mirrors didn't help, it seemed a little like style over purpose to me.

The handling and grip was sensational and the pace and punch from the engine was great (163bhp), but was left with a sense of lack of quality with the interior fixtures and fittings which would have been alright in a car costing

My wife was lent a 118 whilst her Mini was in for some work, and quite frnakly it was shocking.

Performance wasn't up to much but the ride, handling and build quality left a lot to be desired.

And the driving position was a nightmare to get right, you never felt comfortable enough.

It would put me off looking at any BMW.........except maybe an M3

My dad has a 118 SE I think. Give me the fabia any day........

Maybe you should have tried a 130i...

And to those above who dont rate the 1-series; fairs fair. Personally I absolutely adore mine and can never see myself going backwards to Skoda again. But each to their own and all that...

One word: saggy sides

The 120 diesel wasnt that slow either IIRC, the 130 is not in the same league (i.e. it's better) - you pay a lot more for it but it's an excellent drive