2009 BMW 1 Series Road Test Ratings

For a premium small car, the 1 Series receives high marks. It is superior to most competitors from a functional standpoint, and a lot of fun to drive.

We found the 300-horsepower, twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline 6-cylnder of the 135i remarkable, and easily among the top in this segment. But the normally aspirated variant of the 128i is really no slouch either, ranking above average in the class. As we've come to expect from BMW products, the shifter is as crisp and precise as the brakes are solid and fade-resistant. Its steering is well-weighted and offers superb feedback. This car is fun.

Ride comfort leans toward the firm, sporty realm. But it does so without being too busy. Wind and road noise are isolated reasonably well from its occupants. Eight-way manual adjustable seats were favored by many over their automatic counterparts. Seating position, thanks to tilt and telescopic steering, is comfortable for all sizes of driver.

Available xenon headlamps are self-leveling and pivot through turns. Non-HID lights still offer plenty of visibility. Interior controls are intuitive and easy to use with the exception of the audio system. Non-descript buttons take some practice to use. Cupholders for two with the center armrest flipped up.

We didn't find the 1 Series to have quite the widespread appeal of its big brother, the 3 Series. Stubby exterior design was the leading deterrent. But its overall proportions do still turn heads. Interior materials are of the quality we expect from BMW, even in this entry-level model. Panel fit and build quality are impeccable.