Test driving the new BMW 1 Series 120d Urban

BMW's new 1 Series is aimed at pleasing those looking for in-car comforts as much as those craving raw driving power. Those buyers will like the increased length and width here, which adds 30 litres more bootspace and more room for rear passengers; they'll also note that cup-holders now come as standard, too.

But there’s plenty more to enjoy here beyond these niceties. Firstly, there’s some really funky technology for a compact hatchback – the ECO PRO mode, for example, helps you drive economically by telling you how many extra miles you've squeezed from a tank of fuel. Best of all, the engines are fabulous, with both petrol and diesel versions now turbocharged and offering a stupendous combination of performance and economy. The ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox in our test car was terrific too.

And yet… and yet… this is a BMW. On paper the 120d Urban looks great, but isn’t this the company that makes ‘The Ultimate Driving Machine’? Apparently, BMW decided that the suspension of the outgoing model was too firm ’for this sector of the market’. In other words, we assume, the 1 Series isn’t aimed at those who looking to buy into that whole Ultimate Driving ethos. Rather it’s been produced for drivers who want something a little softer. Something more shopping-y.

Happily, the 1 Series is still proud to be the only rear-wheel drive car in its class… but then, by BMW’s own admission, four out of five 1 Series owners don’t even know their car is rear-wheel drive, let alone revel in their own ability to balance the car on the throttle through fast corners.

So while the latest incarnation of the 1 Series has lots of wonderful, life-enhancing improvements, I was expecting more; not in terms of performance – which is great – but in terms of handling. Our 120d test car did not hang together through the corners the way a BMW should. I’m sure plenty of buyers will love the latest model, but I must be honest: for me – as a long-time, bona fide BMW fan – it was mildly disappointing.