At its launch in 2004, the new BMW 1 Series five-door hatchback was unique. It was the only rear-wheel-drive car in the compact segment of the modern era. Its focus? Uncompromised driving dynamics that remain unsurpassed for a brand new customer. The range has since expanded to include a three-door hatchback and a two-door coupé. The 1 Series family will be completed with the launch of the first premium compact convertible by BMW for three decades.

The BMW 1 Series range is also the perfect showcase for BMW's Efficient Dynamics technology and the new convertible continues that theme. Blending BMW's renowned driving dynamics and performance with class-leading economy and emissions, the BMW 1 Series convertible delivers driver enjoyment and low running costs in equal measure.

The range is initially available as BMW 120i and 125i convertible models, but will be joined later by three other engine derivatives, the 118i, 120d and 135i. Two Hams Hall-derived four-cylinder power plants (118i and 120i) offer an affordable way into BMW 1 Series convertible ownership, while the 120d four-cylinder diesel engine the most economical in the range. Two six-cylinder engines, powering the 125i and 135i, balance performance and refinement to offer the best in open-air driving dynamics. The 218hp engine in the 125i convertible is a first for the 1 Series model range. The 306hp engine in the 135i is the current International Engine of the Year and powers the range flagship.

BMW's smallest four-seat convertible might be compact in dimensions, but it features the same technology as some of the marque's larger luxury models. One such key feature of the 1 Series Convertible is that all leather-upholstered cars come as standard with BMW's innovative Sun Reflective leather technology. This helps keep the surface temperature of the upholstery on a hot day up to 20 degrees centigrade lower than a normally upholstered leather seat. The BMW 1 Series is also ahead of the competition as, unlike some competitors, it has a completely electric-powered roof that can be raised or lowered at speeds in excess of 30mph.

The 1 Series convertible design team worked hard to ensure high levels of thermal insulation and noise refinement. The results are comparable with those of the retractable hard top-equipped 3 Series convertible.

Intelligent design leads to a roof that folds away completely so the elegant proportions of the rear of the car are maintained. The roof is stowed below a metal, body-coloured tonneau panel. To accommodate the hood in the retracted down position, a drop down storage compartment is located in the top section of the boot. For added convenience the driver can open the roof of the car as he approaches the vehicle by pressing and holding the open button on the remote control key fob.

All four-cylinder manual gearbox cars feature BMW's Auto Start-Stop system as standard. In urban traffic, when the gear is deselected and the clutch pedal raised, the engine automatically cuts out, eliminating emissions and any fuel consumption while static. When the traffic restarts, the clutch is depressed to select the gear to pull away and, immediately and naturally, the engine fires back into life. This function can be manually switched off. An optimum gear shift indicator also features on all manual-gearbox cars to inform the driver of the appropriate gear for the most economical driving.

Prices from €49,000 (Lm21,035). For a test drive visit Muscats Motors showroom in Rue D'Argens, Gzira or call 2326 4592.

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