2010 BMW 1-Series 3-Door Hatchback Review
Price
RM223,800
Installment
RM2,134/mth
2010 BMW 1-Series 3-Door Hatchback at a glance
Dynamic purity is the 2010 BMW 1-Series's key asset. Placing a sweet-revving engine on a superb chassis means an involving drive. But the gawky looks, lack of build quality and poor practicality tell against it.
2010 BMW 1-Series 3-Door Hatchback quick specs
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Class | Small Luxury |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2010 BMW 1-Series 3-Door Hatchback ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
We truly cannot say we are on board with the design. BMW has brought their design controversy too far with the 1-Series hatchback. The front end is typical BMW, but the side and rear are both gawky. Direct rival Audi A3 definitely looks more cohesive. Move inside and things improve as dashboard design and instruments are similar to the BMW 3-Series's.
Handling
The 2010 BMW 1-Series is intended to provide BMW's famed driving pleasure—and it delivered. With a 50:50 weight distribution, front-mounted engine, and rear-wheel-drive configuration, there is a balanced feel, bundles of grip, excellent body control and a sharp, responsive steering. Through corners, the 2010 BMW 1-Series roadholds sturdily with impressive neutrality. In short, this is a car made for enthusiastic drivers seeking dynamic purity.
Comfort
The sporty suspension setup compromises the ride comfort. But cabin refinement is high with well-contained road and wind noise; the smooth engine is quiet throughout. The many adjustments for seats and steering wheel allow drivers to find the perfect driving position. Ergonomics are good and we have no problem operating the various controls. On-road visibility is however limited due to the thick windscreen pillars and small rear windows.
Quality + Reliability
Overall quality is still in line with BMW's luxury standing, but some switchgear are made from cheap-looking plastics. The lack of quality can also be observed in the boot, where plastics and carpeting are flimsy. If the Audi A3's cabin can be constructed to such a high standard, perhaps BMW should have paid more attention to details in the 1-Series's cabin? Having said that, BMW has always been reliable in their offerings, and the 2010 BMW 1-Series should be the same.
Performance
Only one engine option is available for the 2010 BMW 1-Series three-door model: a 2.0-litre in-line four capable of 156 bhp of power and 200 Nm of torque. On the road, this refined unit gives a decently rapid showing. Acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h takes 9.1 seconds, aided by a slick-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. As with all BMW models, the 2010 BMW 1-Series's performance on the road is dictated as much by the engine as it is by the superb chassis.
Roominess
Because of the rear-wheel-drive layout, interior room suffers. While the front two enjoy comfortable head- and leg- room, those at the back have little to content with. Compared to the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3, the 2010 BMW 1-Series falls way short on rear space. Accessing whatever limited space is made harder by the high sill. Boot capacity is relatively small too, but at least the rear seats can split 60/40 and fold flat for additional storage space when needed.
Running Costs
The 2.0-litre engine has an official fuel consumption figure of 13.2 km/litre, which is respectable by class standards. Servicing and repairs, as for most luxury cars, would be costly. Road tax costs RM 377.50 annually, but insurance will be much more significant in a couple of thousands. BMW models typically hold their value well. But due to Malaysians' preference for sedans, depreciation of the BMW 1-Series three-door hatchback should be higher than for similarly-priced BMW sedans.
Value for Money
The cheapest way to enter the BMW 'club' is by no means cheap at RM 223,800. The Volkswagen Golf GTI goes for RM 200,083 and the Audi A3 Sportback starts at RM 225,589. The 2010 BMW 1-Series's handling is certainly up there among the best in the class, but the rest of its package is not. Brand aside, the Golf GTI offers the best value for lesser money.
Equipment
Metallic paintwork, M aero-dynamics package, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, rear Park Distance Control (PDC), xenon headlights, foglights, rain sensors, automatic climate control, leather steering wheel, sports front seats, and stereo with MP3 decoder are available. Safety-wise, driver and front passenger get front and side airbags, while curtain airbags protect front and rear passengers. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) includes ABS and traction control.
Environment
An emission level of 150 gram/km from the 2.0-litre engine is commendable. Such a figure was almost impossible in the past. But with luxury automakers like BMW and Audi taking the lead, there is hope for the co-existence of power, performance and the environment.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Superb chassis and sharp steering
Sweet-revving engine
BMW badge aids desirability
Gawky looks
Build quality below expectation
Cramped rear seats and boot
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