BMW 1 Series M Sport - Weekend Wheels
This unique hatchback is sporty, luxurious and cheap to run. Oh, and it's a proper rear-wheel drive BMW. What's not to love?
)
If you want a hatchback with an edge, this might just be the car for you. The BMW 1 Series M Sport packs more presence on the road and, as the name suggests, a bit more handling oomph thanks to its M division influences. It's a sporty-looking car that's also pretty grown-up, with M Sport bits on its exterior, 18-inch alloys, and a sports steering wheel to go with hip-hugging seats. Yet despite that racy makeover, the four-cylinder engine of this car is pretty cheap to run. Proof? See the claimed 52mpg combined fuel economy.
A key factor of appeal in this previous-generation 1 Series is its use of rear-wheel drive. The new 1 Series - rather controversially, according to BMW enthusiasts - has switched to a more conventional front-wheel drive setup. But the car we've chosen here pushes its 138hp to the back, making for more traditional sporting layout. If you're into that sort of stuff, anyway. Using a 1.5-litre engine capable of powering the car to 60mph in 8.3 seconds, it’s no slouch. Certainly, it's nippy enough for urban roads while also being comfortable for long journeys.
)
Despite being a hatchback, the 1 Series feels pretty spacious in the front, so you can get comfy and immediately appreciate the premium surroundings. The ergonomics are fantastic for the front-seat passengers and this mindful design is coupled with the sort of tough build quality that you'd expect from a BMW. The infotainment system is kitted out with essentials like Bluetooth, DAB radio and satnav, while you get useful mod-cons like parking sensors and cruise control to help lessen your workload.
Sold? Us too. And that's before we highlight how accessible this M Sport is. The one we've nominated as a candidate for your weekend fun is in our online showroom for just £14,950 – or the equivalent monthly rate. No joke. Walk into most dealerships and you'd barely be able to access a supermini with that figure. For whoever nabs this premium and sporty Beemer though, it could be outside the front door in as little as one week.
)