You can choose between a 120bhp 1.6 or 141bhp and 168bhp 2.0-litre petrol engines. Four 2.0-litre diesels, with 114bhp, 141bhp, 174bhp, or 202bhp are also available. The 1.6 feels underpowered next to the smooth 2.0 petrols, while the diesels offer increasingly strong performance.

It's irritating that an overly firm ride compromises the 1-Series' driving manners, especially on M Sport models. Hit a twisty road in the countryside, though, and it's a totally different story. With superb body control, loads of grip and a balanced feel provided by the front-engined, rear-wheel-drive chassis, the 1 Series is sure to appeal to enthusiastic drivers.

The 1 Series offers an impressively refined environment for a small family hatchback. The engines stay smooth and hushed, although the diesels aren't quite as refined as some. Road and suspension noise are both kept to a minimum, but there's some wind noise on the motorway.

The 1 Series is expensive to buy, but the allure of the BMW badge means that it has stronger residual values than many other small hatches. Running costs are lower than average, too, thanks to BMW's 'Efficient Dynamics' technology. On all versions, fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions are among the best in the class.

The 1 Series' interior isn't as classy as BMW's pricier models, with some rather functional-looking materials and details. You can't argue with the build quality, however, which is top-notch. The controls work with well-engineered precision, too, and there's still reason to have every confidence in the car's long-term reliability.

Driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags, plus traction and dynamic stability control are standard on every model. An alarm, immobiliser, remote central locking and deadlocks are in place to keep thieves at bay.

As with most BMWs, the 1 Series has an excellent driving position, with a wide range of adjustment. It's a shame that BMW persists with a fiddly system of pulling a lever and shifting your weight to alter the height or angle of the seat, however. The dashboard is refreshingly simple, although the optional sat-nav brings BMW's iDrive control system, which some could find fussy, although the latest system is better than the original.

Space for legs and heads in the rear falls well short of that in the VW Golf, while access to the back seats is awkward because of the high sill and, on five-door versions, a small door opening. The boot is rather small and oddly shaped too, although the rear seat backs split 60/40 and fold down flat onto the fixed rear bench to extend the space available.

Entry-level models have a full set of powered windows and a CD player, but it's stingy not to include air-conditioning and alloy wheels at this price. For those features, you need to upgrade to ES. Sport models cost the same as ES cars but add a multifunction steering wheel and foglights. SE cars include climate control and parking sensors, while M Sport models get a bodykit and firmer suspension.