BMW 1-Series

The 1-Series is designed to give the BMW brand wider appeal. It goes head-to-head with the Volkswagen Golf, Audi A3 Sportback and Alfa Romeo 147 as a compact executive car. Its striking looks aren't to everyone's taste, but its up-market interior, engaging drive and first-class build are. In fact, the only other reason not to recommend it is the price - £15,995 is the entry-level. But style and class have never come cheap.

ES, SE, SPORT,M

Five-speed gearboxes on 116i and 118i - six-speed on others. Six airbags; brake force display; run-flat tyres with puncture warning system; on-board computer; ISOFIX child seat mountings and CD player. SE adds: 16-inch alloys; automatic climate control; front arm rest; front fog lamps; interior auto dimming mirror; three-spoke leather sports multifunction steering wheel; lights package and rear park distance control. Sport models add Black Gomera interior trim; colour coded exterior body parts; sports seats and sports suspension. M Sport is as the Sport model but with a styling kit. Options include: a six-speed automatic gearbox (120i, 120d); leather trim; business and professional navigation and iDrive controller/folding screen; HiFi speaker system; Professional HiFi with Logic7.

130i M SPORT