BMW 1 Series best small family hatch. Official.
BMW 1 Series best small family hatch. Official.
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Discussion

Tannedbaldhead

Original Poster:

3,190 posts

161 months

Monday 21st April 2014
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My dad's an old Italian and, now retired, spends a lot of time back in the old country. Before he gets over he books an automatic (has to be an automatic as he's disabled) FIAT 500 sized car online. On arriving at the airport Italian organisational skills being what they are he is invariably offered a manual 500 or Panda which he can't drive. Dad draw's to the attention of the hire desk his email pointing out he can't operate a clutch and the email from the hire company acknowledging this and ensuring him an automatic WILL be made available. Then the fun begins as the hire desk hunt down the cheapest auto they can find to provide at the cost of a FIAT 500. As a result my Dad has driven a lot of Golfs, Focuses, BMWs, Mercs, and Audis he wasn't expecting to.

His feedback. Best by far is the new BMW 1 Series (120d I suspect). Great engine, very refined on the Autostrada, very comfortable in the front, brilliant transmission and most fun on Italian Mountain roads. A much better car than the A3 or even the previous Merc C Class. For those of you who wonder what is better the better car between the Golf and Focus Dad says it's the Focus all the way. Anyone disagrees and I'm sorry but you're wrong............ coz my dad says.

Vladimir

6,917 posts

187 months

Monday 21st April 2014
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So does my Dad after a go in mine

aspirated

2,540 posts

175 months

Monday 21st April 2014
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nottyash

4,671 posts

224 months

Monday 21st April 2014
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Well ask him why is it so ugly

J1JPE

307 posts

255 months

Monday 21st April 2014
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Ask him how it drives up the mountain to his 'village' in the snow.

RWD - nice!

Tannedbaldhead

Original Poster:

3,190 posts

161 months

Monday 21st April 2014
quotequote all
nottyash said:
Well ask him why is it so ugly
BMW ugly hatch syndrome.

I quite like the style of BMs but you just have to look at the 1 Series, 2 Series Active Tourer, 4 Series Grand Coupe, and 5 Series GT to see that they struggle to do a good looking hatch.
With regards to the 1 Series being the best small family hatch you'll notice stunning good looks wasn't mentioned in the qualities listed.

Davie_GLA

6,876 posts

228 months

Monday 21st April 2014
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Forget it as a family hatch. We had one when our daughter was born and it simply didn't work. Biit too small rear space too little.

Depends on height though, I'm 6 foot 1 and there was no space in the rear when I was driving.

That said, very well balanced car. Very well set up for what it is.

Pebbles167

4,572 posts

181 months

Monday 21st April 2014
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If I had kids Id rather a 3 door. I've always found it easier. Go figure.